Baby Colic: How to Soothe a Crying Baby Fast | Pediatrician Tips

Quick answer: Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, in a baby under 3 months old. It is not dangerous, but it is exhausting. The good news: it almost always resolves on its own by 3–4 months.

This guide covers the fastest evidence-based techniques to soothe a colicky baby, plus what’s actually causing the crying — from our pediatric team at Omega Pediatrics.

Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying—And Nothing Works

But these strategies might reduce the chances or make it less severe: It’s 3 AM. Your baby has been screaming for hours.

You’ve tried everything. Feeding. Rocking. Changing and walking around like a zombie. Nothing helps. The crying is so intense, your hands are shaking.

You’re exhausted. You’re crying, too. And you’re wondering: Is something seriously wrong with my baby? You might be dealing with a colicky baby. 

And I need you to hear this right now: This is NOT your fault. Baby colic is real. It’s common. And there ARE ways to help your baby feel better.

In this guide, I’m showing you exactly what a colic baby is, how to soothe a colic baby that won’t stop crying, and when this nightmare will finally end.

Let’s get you both some relief.

What Is a Colic Baby? (The Truth About Baby Colic)

So what is a colic baby, exactly? A colicky baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks.

 This is called the “Rule of Threes.” The crying happens for no clear reason. Your baby is healthy. Fed. Clean. But they’re still screaming like they’re in pain.

Baby colic usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks old. It peaks around 6 weeks (the absolute worst time). And it usually ends by 3 to 4 months old.

How Do I Know If My Baby Has Colic?

Not all crying is colic. Here’s how to tell the difference. Here are signs of colic in newborns:

• Crying starts suddenly with no warning
• Happens at the same time every day (usually late afternoon or evening)
• Baby’s face turns bright red or purple
• Baby pulls legs up tight to their belly
• Baby arches their back
• Fists are clenched tight
• Tummy feels hard
• Nothing you do makes the crying stop

The colic crying sounds different, too. It’s intense. High-pitched. Almost like your baby is screaming in pain.

If this sounds like your baby, you’re dealing with colic in newborns.

Is Colic Dangerous?

Here’s the good news: Baby colic doesn’t cause long-term harm. Colicky babies grow up completely normal. They’re not in danger. And they will be okay.

But colic is HARD on parents. Exhausting. Stressful. Heartbreaking. You’re not weak for struggling with this. Colic is one of the toughest parts of having a newborn.

What Causes Baby Colic? (Why is This Happening?)

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of colic in newborn babies. Frustrating, right? But here’s what we DO know might contribute. 

Possible causes of colicky babies:

• Gas and digestive pain (the most likely cause)
• Immature digestive system that’s still learning to work
• Overstimulation from lights, sounds, or too much activity
• Food sensitivities (to formula or something in breast milk)
• Baby is overtired but can’t settle down
• Swallowing air during feeding or crying
• Acid reflux

Here’s the terrible cycle that happens:

Baby gets uncomfortable → Baby cries → Crying makes baby swallow MORE air → More air trapped in tummy = more pain → Baby cries HARDER → More air swallowed

The cycle keeps going. And it feels impossible to break. But you CAN stop it. Let me show you how.

How to Soothe a Colic Baby: 7 Methods That Actually Work

Stop buying expensive gadgets. These proven strategies help colicky babies calm down fast.

1. Master the “5 S’s” Method (This is Gold)

Dr. Harvey Karp created the famous “5 S’s” specifically for how to soothe a colicky baby.

The 5 S’s are:

• Swaddle: Wrap baby snugly in a thin blanket (arms down, hips can still move)
• Side or Stomach position: Hold baby on their side or tummy WHILE AWAKE (never sleep this way)
• Shush: Make a loud “shhhhhh” sound right by baby’s ear (or use white noise)
• Swing: Gentle, rhythmic movement (not vigorous shaking)
• Suck: Give baby a pacifier or let them suck your clean finger

Try all 5 at the same time. It might look weird, but it works for many colicky babies. The combination mimics the womb. And that helps calm colic crying.

2. Movement Stops Colic Crying Fast

Motion is like magic for what to do about colic in a newborn. Your baby spent 9 months being rocked in your belly. Movement feels safe and familiar.

Soothing movements for colicky babies:

• Walk around the house holding baby close
• Rock in a rocking chair (invest in a good one)
• Gentle swaying side to side
• Take baby for a stroller walk outside (fresh air helps too)
• Go for a car ride (baby safely buckled in a car seat)
• Use a baby swing (if baby is old enough)
• Try a baby carrier or wrap (keep baby close while you move)

One mom told me she walked laps around her apartment for 3 hours every night. Another said car rides at 2 AM saved her sanity.

Find what works for YOUR colicky baby. There’s no wrong answer if it’s safe and helps.

3. Create a Womb-Like Environment

Overstimulation makes colic in newborn babies WORSE. Your baby was in a dark, quiet, warm space for 9 months. The outside world is overwhelming.

How to make baby’s space calm:

• Dim the lights (or turn them off completely)
• Use white noise (loud “shhhh,” fan, sound machine, or app)
• Keep it quiet (no TV, loud voices, or sudden sounds)
• Warm temperature (not hot, just comfortably warm)
• Limit visitors during colicky times
• Try a warm bath in a quiet bathroom

Think cave-like. Dark, quiet, warm, and peaceful.

White noise should be as loud as a shower. That might sound too loud, but it works. It blocks sudden noises that startle colicky babies.

4. Help Baby With Gas (Often the Real Problem)

Many colicky babies are actually just babies with severe gas pain. Trapped gas causes REAL pain. And that pain causes intense crying.

Gas relief techniques for colic in newborns:

• Tummy massage: Use your fingertips to gently rub baby’s belly in clockwise circles (start small, make circles bigger)
• Bicycle legs: Lay baby on their back. Gently move their legs like they’re pedaling a bike. This pushes gas through their intestines and OUT.
• Warm compress: Place a warm (not hot!) washcloth on baby’s tummy over their diaper
• Hold baby upright: After feeding, keep baby upright for 15 to 20 minutes
• Try the “colic carry”: Lay baby tummy-down along your forearm (head near your elbow, legs hanging). This puts gentle pressure on their belly.

Do these BEFORE typical colic crying times. Prevention helps more than fixing it once crying starts.

5. Can I Give My Newborn Gas Drops?

This is one of the most common questions about what to do about colic. Gas drops contain simethicone. 

Simethicone breaks up big gas bubbles into smaller ones that baby can pass more easily. Popular brands: Mylicon, Little Remedies, Mommy’s Bliss

The answer: Usually yes, but ask your pediatrician first.

Gas drops are generally safe for newborns. But your doctor should approve them and tell you the right dosage for your baby’s age and weight.

How to use gas drops for colicky babies:

• Give before or after feeding (follow package directions)
• Usually work within 10 to 20 minutes
• Safe to use multiple times per day
• Won’t fix colic, but helps if gas is part of the problem

Some parents say gas drops are life-changing. Others see no difference. Every colicky baby is different.

6. Fix Feeding to Reduce Colic Crying

How your baby eats makes a HUGE difference in colic in newborns.

Feeding changes that help colicky babies:

• Feed BEFORE baby is hysterically hungry. Frantically hungry babies gulp and swallow tons of air.
• Go slow with feeding. Rushed feeding = more swallowed air.
• Burp frequently. Don’t wait until the end. Burp every 2 to 3 ounces (bottle) or when switching breasts.
• Keep baby upright during feeding. This reduces air swallowing.
• Try anti-colic bottles if bottle feeding. Dr. Brown’s, Tommee Tippee, and Philips Avent have special venting systems.
• Check nipple flow. If milk pours out fast, the flow is too fast. Switch to a slower nipple.
• If breastfeeding: Try eliminating dairy from YOUR diet for a week. Some colicky babies are sensitive to dairy proteins that pass through breast milk.
• Never force baby to finish. Overfeeding causes more gas and more colic crying.

7. Take Care of YOU (This Saves Your Sanity)

Here’s a hard truth: You cannot soothe a colicky baby if you’re falling apart.

Colic crying is one of the most stressful sounds for humans. Your brain is wired to find it distressing. That’s NORMAL.

How to survive colic without losing yourself:

• Tag team with partner (you take 2 hours, they take 2 hours)
• Sleep when baby sleeps (seriously, forget the laundry)
• Put baby down safely if you feel rage building (crib, on their back, walk away for 5 minutes)
• Call for help (your mom, friend, neighbor, ANYONE)
• Join a colic support group (knowing you’re not alone helps)
• Deep breathing (4 counts in, 4 counts out)
• Remember: This is temporary

If you ever feel you might shake or hurt your baby, put them down safely and GET HELP IMMEDIATELY. Call your doctor, a crisis line, or 911.

There is ZERO shame in needing support. Colic breaks even the strongest parents.

What to Do About Colic: When to Call the Doctor

Most of the time, colic is just colic. Horrible, but not dangerous. But sometimes intense crying means something more serious is wrong.

Call your pediatrician RIGHT NOW if:

• Baby has a fever (over 100.4°F for babies under 3 months)
• You see blood in baby’s poop
• Baby is vomiting forcefully (more than normal spit-up)
• Baby refuses to eat or drink
• Baby isn’t gaining weight or seems to be losing weight
• Baby’s body feels stiff or extremely floppy
• The crying sounds different (more like pain or distress)
• Baby seems lethargic or won’t wake up normally
• You’ve tried everything, and NOTHING helps

Your doctor will check for:

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Milk protein allergy
• Lactose intolerance
• Intestinal blockage
• Infection
• Other medical problems

Trust your gut, mama. You know your baby. If something feels wrong, make that call.

Doctors would rather check and have it be nothing than miss something serious.

How Long Does Colic Last? (There IS an End!)

I know it feels like this will last forever. But I promise you: colic in newborns DOES end.

The typical colic timeline:

• Starts: 2 to 3 weeks old
• Gets worse: Around 6 weeks old (this is the absolute PEAK)
• Starts improving: 8 to 10 weeks old
• Usually GONE: By 3 to 4 months old

Some colicky babies get better sooner. Some take up to 5 months. But almost ALL colic babies improve dramatically by 4 months. Put it on your calendar.

Seeing that end date makes it feel survivable. At 6 weeks, tell yourself: “Just 6 more weeks. I can do this for 6 more weeks.” You CAN. And you WILL.

Preventing Colic: Can You Stop It Before It Starts?

Honestly? You can’t always prevent baby colic. Sometimes babies just get it, no matter what you do.

But these strategies might reduce the chances or make it less severe:

Colic prevention tips:

✅ Feed baby before they’re frantically crying hungry
✅ Burp thoroughly and frequently during feeding
✅ Keep feeding time calm and quiet
✅ Hold baby upright during and after feeding
✅ Avoid overstimulation (dim lights, quiet environment)
✅ Try probiotics (ask doctor first—some studies show they help)
✅ If breastfeeding, watch your diet for trigger foods
✅ Use proper feeding positions to reduce air swallowing

Even if you do EVERYTHING perfectly, your baby might still develop colic. This is NOT your fault. Some babies are just more prone to colic in newborns.

Real Stories From Moms of Colicky Babies

“My daughter screamed from 6 PM to 11 PM every single night for 10 weeks. I thought I’d lose my mind. But she outgrew it at 12 weeks and became the happiest baby.”

“We drove around our neighborhood for hours every night. Our neighbors probably thought we were crazy. But it was the only thing that worked.”

“I cried as much as my colicky baby did. I felt like a failure. But my pediatrician told me: ‘The fact that you’re here asking for help means you’re a GOOD mom.’ That saved me.”

“The 5 S’s method changed everything. Within 2 days of learning it, the crying dropped by half.”

“Gas drops didn’t work for us. But bicycle legs? Magic. We did them before every feeding, and it made such a difference.”

You are NOT alone. Thousands of parents survive colicky babies every year.

Your Baby Colic Survival Action Plan (Do This Right Now)

Baby is crying right now due to baby colic? Here’s your emergency plan for baby colic:

Step 1: Try the 5 S’s (swaddle, side position, shush, swing, suck) all at once

Step 2: Do bicycle legs for 1 to 2 minutes

Step 3: Walk around with baby in a dark, quiet room with white noise

Step 4: Try the colic carry (baby tummy-down on your forearm)

Step 5: Give gas drops if your doctor approved them

Step 6: Put baby down safely if you need a break

For long-term baby colic management:

✅ Identify baby’s typical fussy time (usually late afternoon/evening)
✅ Start soothing techniques BEFORE crying starts
✅ Create a calm environment during fussy hours
✅ Tag team with your partner so everyone gets breaks
✅ Track what works (every baby is different)
✅ Remember the end date (3 to 4 months) for baby colic

You Are Stronger Than You Know

Baby colic is brutal. There’s no sugarcoating baby colic. If you’re reading this at 3 AM with a screaming baby, exhausted and crying yourself, I see you.

You are NOT failing. You are NOT a bad parent. And your baby WILL get better from baby colic.

• What is a colic baby? A healthy baby who cries intensely for no clear reason—and WILL outgrow it.
• How to soothe a colicky baby? The 5 S’s, movement, gas relief, feeding changes, and lots of self-care.
• When does it end? Baby colic usually ends by 3 to 4 months. Mark it on your calendar.

You’re showing up for your baby every single day, even when you’re destroyed because of baby colic. That makes you an amazing parent. 

Need more help with your colicky baby? Visit Omegapediatrics.com for expert pediatric advice and support.

Read more about baby colic in these articles: What is Colic in Newborn Baby? 10 Proven Ways to Soothe Your Baby’s Crying and Colicky Infant: Understanding and Soothing Your Fussy Baby

Baby colic is temporary, mama. Better days from baby colic are coming. I promise. Hang in there. You’ve got this.