12 Useful Tips to Soothe a Colicky Baby at Night

Key Notes

Babies with colic often cry for hours on end, and it can be hard to know what to do to make them feel better. Here, we will discuss some useful tips that can help soothe a colicky baby at night. We will also provide some helpful advice on how to deal with this frustrating condition.

Colic Is Very Common In Babies

Colic is a condition that affects many babies all over the world. It is characterized by long periods of crying, often for no apparent reason. Colic usually begins when a baby is around two weeks old and typically goes away by the time they are four months old.

There are many theories about what causes colic, but the exact cause is unknown. Some experts believe that it may be due to a baby’s immature nervous system, while others think it may be the result of gastrointestinal discomfort.

Whatever the cause, colic can be very distressing for both babies and their parents. If you have a colicky baby, you are probably wondering what you can do to help them feel better.

Useful Tips to Soothe a Colicky Baby at Night

There are a few things that you can do to help soothe a colicky baby at night. One of the most important things is to remain calm. It can be difficult to stay calm when your baby is crying, but it is important to try. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and try to relax.

1. Swaddle Your Baby

You can swaddle your baby in a thin cotton blanket. Make sure that the blanket is not too thick or too loose. Swaddling keeps your baby’s startle reflex under control and also makes them feel snug and secure. It is also one of the most effective ways to soothe a colicky baby.

2. Rock Your Baby

Gently rock your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair. The rhythmic motion can help soothe your infant. You can also try placing your baby on his or her back on a firm surface and gently moving his or her legs in a bicycling motion — as if the baby were pedaling a tricycle.

3. Hold and Cuddle Your Baby

You can try holding and cuddling your baby when they are crying. This may help them to feel more comforted and safe. This may also help to relieve some of the gas that is causing their discomfort.

4. Use White Noise

You can try using white noise to soothe your baby. White noise is a sound that can help to mask other environmental sounds that may be disturbing to your baby. You can purchase white noise machines or download white noise apps. White noise may help to lull your baby to sleep.

5. Try A Pacifier

If your baby is colicky, a pacifier (read here pros and cons of pacifier in newborn) can be a godsend. It can help to soothe and calm your little one, and may even help them to fall asleep. Just be sure to sterilize the pacifier before giving it to your baby.

6. Walk With Your Baby

Sometimes, all your baby needs is to be close to you. Try carrying your baby in a front-facing carrier as you walk around the house or go for a short walk outdoors. The rhythmic movement may help calm your baby.

7. Sing And Talk Softly To Your Baby

The sound of your voice can be very soothing to a colicky baby. Try singing softly or talking in a calming voice. It may take some time, but eventually, your baby will start to feel better.

8. Shift Their Position

One of the reasons why your baby is crying could be gas. When gas accumulates in the intestines, it can cause pain and discomfort. You can help to relieve this by frequently changing your baby’s position. Every few minutes, try burping your baby or holding them upright against your shoulder.

You can also try lying them down on their tummy across your lap. Gravity can help to move the gas along and out of the intestines.

9. Gently Rub Your Baby’s Back

Try this classic colic soothing technique by gently rubbing your baby’s back in a clockwise direction. The rhythmic movement can help relax both you and your baby. This is also a great way to bond with your little one.

10. Body Massage

Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. This can help to ease the gas pain that is often associated with colic. One of the most popular and effective ways to soothe a colicky baby is through massage.

Gently massaging your baby’s tummy can help relieve gas and discomfort. You can also massage your baby’s back, legs, and feet.

11. Make Sure Your Baby Is Burped

A build-up of air in the stomach can contribute to colic pain. Make sure you frequently burp your baby during and after feeds. You can even try different positions to help release any trapped air. It may also help to keep your baby upright for at least 30 minutes after a feed.

12. Sway Back And Forth While Holding Your Baby

Sway back and forth while you hold your baby upright, or lay your baby on his or her side or stomach across your knees. Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. Place a warm water bottle on your baby’s tummy, back or bottom.

Try the “5 S’s” — swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging and sucking. Give your baby a pacifier. Take a break. Walk around, or rock in a rocking chair to help soothe your baby.

Final Words

If your baby is colicky, know that you are not alone. There are many things you can try to help soothe your little one. Sometimes, it may take a few tries to find what works best for your baby.

Be patient and keep trying new things until you find what works for both of you. With time, your baby will outgrow this phase and you will both be able to get a good night’s sleep.