Best Sleeping Positions For Colic Baby!

Key Takeaways

The only safe sleep position for a colicky baby is on their back, on a firm, flat surface, alone in their own crib or bassinet, per current AAP guidance.
Holds like the colic hold, side or stomach hold against you, tummy-down across your lap, or upright on your shoulder can soothe crying, but only while the baby is awake and you are alert.
Avoid swings, bouncers, car seats, inclined products, wedges and positioners for sleep, and never fall asleep holding your baby on a sofa or armchair.
Colic usually starts at 2 to 3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months; extra soothing tips include checking basic needs, motion, white noise, safe swaddling and a pacifier.

Last reviewed: November 6, 2026 · Updated to match current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance.

Quick answer: The only safe sleeping position for a colicky baby is the same as for every baby: on their back, on a firm, flat surface, in their own crib or bassinet, with nothing else in it. Holds like the colic hold, the side hold or tummy-down across your lap can calm a crying baby, but only while they’re awake and you’re watching. Once your baby is asleep or drowsy, put them down on their back. Swings, bouncers and inclined seats are not safe for sleep.

Colic means a healthy baby cries for long stretches, often in the late afternoon or evening, without an obvious reason. It usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months. It’s exhausting, and it isn’t your fault. Here’s how to soothe your baby safely, and how to get them to sleep once the crying settles.

The Safe Sleep Position for a Colicky Baby

The AAP recommends placing babies on their back for every sleep, naps and nights, until their first birthday, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface with no pillows, blankets or toys. Colic doesn’t change this. Babies who sleep on their stomach or side have a higher risk of SIDS, and inclined products can let a baby’s head tip forward and narrow their airway.

Don’t let your baby sleep in a swing, bouncer, rocker or car seat. If they fall asleep there, move them to their crib.
Don’t use wedges, positioners or rolled towels.
Don’t fall asleep holding your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you’re very tired, put your baby down in their crib first.

Soothing Holds for When Your Baby Is Awake

These holds can help calm a crying baby. Use them only while your baby is awake and you’re alert, then move them onto their back to sleep.

1. The Colic Hold

Lay your baby tummy-down along your forearm, with their head near your elbow and your hand between their legs. Support their head and keep their face clear. Gently sway or walk.

2. The Side or Stomach Hold Against You

Hold your baby on their side or tummy against your chest or stomach, with their head supported and face turned so they can breathe easily. Many babies settle with skin-to-skin contact.

3. Tummy-Down Across Your Lap

Lay your baby face-down across your knees and gently rub or pat their back. Keep their head turned to the side.

4. Upright on Your Shoulder

Hold your baby upright with their head on your shoulder, and rock, sway or bounce gently. This is also a good position for burping.

More Ways to Soothe a Colicky Baby

The AAP’s colic relief tips include:

Check the basics first: hunger, a wet diaper, being too hot or cold.
Motion: walk with your baby in a carrier, rock them, or go for a stroller walk.
Shushing and white noise: a steady, soothing sound can calm babies.
Swaddling in a thin blanket or swaddle, for young babies only, and always placed on their back. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll.
A pacifier, once breastfeeding is going well.
A warm bath or gentle tummy massage.
Less stimulation: dim the lights and keep the room quiet.
Burping during and after feeds, and paced bottle feeding to reduce swallowed air.

Check with your pediatrician before trying gas drops, herbal remedies, gripe water or switching formula.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Colic is hard on parents. If you feel overwhelmed or angry, it’s okay to put your baby down safely on their back in the crib and step away for a few minutes. Ask a partner, relative or friend to take a turn. Never shake a baby. If you’re struggling with low mood or anxiety, tell your doctor.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

Is under 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Is vomiting forcefully, has green vomit, or has blood in their stool
Isn’t feeding well or gaining weight
Has a weak, high-pitched cry, or seems very sleepy or floppy
Cries in a way that’s different from usual, or you’re worried something is wrong

For more help, see our guides to the signs of colic and why babies only sleep when held.

The Bottom Line

Soothing holds, motion, white noise and swaddling can help a colicky baby calm down while they’re awake. When it’s time to sleep, the safest position is always on their back, in their own crib or bassinet, on a flat surface with nothing else in it. Colic usually eases by 3 to 4 months.

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician with questions about your baby’s crying or sleep.

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