Baby Colic: Causes, Symptoms, and 7 Gentle Ways to Soothe Your Baby

If your baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, you are likely dealing with colic, one of the most exhausting experiences of early parenthood. The good news: colic is temporary, peaks around 6 weeks, and usually settles by 3 to 4 months. Here is what parents most often try.

What Is Colic?

Colic is defined by the Wessel Rule of Threes: crying or fussing for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks in a baby who is otherwise healthy and well-fed. It affects an estimated 10 to 25% of newborns regardless of feeding method, breast or formula.

What Causes Colic?

The exact cause of colic is not fully understood, but leading theories include:

• Immature digestive system: a newborn's gut flora and motility are still developing, making it harder to process feeds and pass gas
• Gas and bloating: air trapped in the intestines causes uncomfortable pressure
• Gut microbiome differences: colicky babies often have different gut bacteria than non-colicky babies
• Overstimulation: some babies are particularly sensitive to their environment
• Maternal diet (for breastfed babies): dairy, caffeine, and cruciferous vegetables in a nursing parent's diet can sometimes play a part

7 Gentle Things Parents Try

1. Herbal Baby Tea (Most Popular Choice)

USDA Organic herbal teas containing chamomile and fennel have been used for centuries as part of a daily routine for little ones. Babies Magic Tea is our bestselling organic baby tea, made with just two herbs: organic chamomile and organic fennel, both traditionally used to soothe everyday fussiness and gas. Talk to your pediatrician before giving any herbal product to a baby.

How to use: brew one tea bag in 8 oz of water, cool completely, offer 1 to 2 oz up to 3 times daily. Breastfeeding parents often enjoy a cup themselves.

2. Baby Gripe Water

Organic gripe water comes in liquid drop form, which some parents find easier than brewing at 2 a.m. Baby Gripe Water uses organic ginger, chamomile, and fennel, with no alcohol and no artificial sweeteners.

3. Burping More Frequently

Burp your baby every 2 to 3 minutes during feeding, not just at the end. Holding your baby upright for 15 to 20 minutes after feeds can help with gas buildup.

4. Bicycle Legs Exercise

Gently moving your baby's legs in a bicycling motion while they lie on their back helps move trapped gas through the intestines. Try 2 to 3 minutes, several times per day.

5. White Noise and Motion

Rhythmic movement, such as a car ride, a swing, or gentle bouncing, along with white noise, mimics the womb environment and settles many babies.

6. Warm Compress

A warm towel or heating pad, warm and never hot, placed on your baby's belly for 5 to 10 minutes can help them relax and pass gas.

7. Review the Nursing Parent's Diet

For breastfed babies, some parents try removing dairy, caffeine, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts for 2 weeks to see whether anything changes. Talk to your provider before making significant dietary changes.

When to See a Doctor

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion. Always rule out reflux, milk protein allergy, ear infection, or another medical cause with your pediatrician before assuming colic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What settles a colicky baby fastest?

Every baby is different, and there is no guaranteed answer. Motion and white noise often help in the moment. A herbal tea used consistently as part of the daily routine is something many parents fold in over several days rather than expecting an instant result.

What is in Babies Magic Tea?

Two organic herbs, chamomile and fennel, and nothing else. No caffeine, no alcohol, no preservatives, no added sweeteners.

At what age does colic peak?

Colic typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and usually settles by 3 to 4 months in most babies.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or giving this product to a child.