12 Useful Tips to Soothe a Colicky Baby at Night

Key Takeaways

Colic is long bouts of crying in a healthy baby, often in the evening, starting around 2 weeks, peaking around 6 weeks and fading by 3 to 4 months, with no known exact cause and not the parent's fault.
Calming techniques include swaddling young babies on their back until they try to roll, rocking, cuddling skin to skin, singing softly, gentle back rubs and walks in a carrier or stroller.
Low white noise placed at least 7 feet from the crib and a clean pacifier, which the AAP says also lowers SIDS risk, can help soothe a crying baby.
Upright, colic or tummy-down holds and tummy massage are for awake, supervised babies only, sleep should always be on the back in their own crib, and hot water bottles or heating pads should be avoided.

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

Quick answer: To soothe a colicky baby at night, try swaddling (young babies only, always on their back), rocking, white noise, a pacifier, gentle tummy massage and plenty of burping. Holding your baby on their side or tummy across your lap can calm them while they’re awake, but once they’re asleep, lay them on their back in their own crib. Skip hot water bottles and heating pads, which can burn a baby’s skin. Colic usually improves by 3 to 4 months.

Colic means long bouts of crying in a healthy baby, often in the late afternoon and evening. It usually begins around 2 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks, and fades by 3 to 4 months. Nobody knows exactly what causes it. It may be linked to an immature nervous system, gut discomfort or sensitivity to stimulation. It isn’t caused by anything you did.

12 Tips to Soothe a Colicky Baby at Night

1. Swaddle Young Babies

A thin, breathable swaddle can calm the startle reflex and help young babies feel secure. Keep it snug around the chest but loose at the hips, always place your swaddled baby on their back, and stop swaddling as soon as they show signs of trying to roll, usually around 2 to 3 months.

2. Rock Your Baby

Gently rock your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair. The rhythmic motion can be very calming. If you feel yourself getting sleepy, put your baby in their crib first.

3. Hold and Cuddle

Being held close, especially skin to skin, helps many babies settle. Your warmth, heartbeat and smell are familiar and comforting.

4. Use White Noise

A white noise machine or app can mask other sounds and remind your baby of the womb. Keep it low, about as loud as a soft shower, and place it at least 7 feet (about 2 meters) from the crib.

5. Offer a Pacifier

Sucking is naturally soothing. A pacifier can calm a crying baby, and the AAP notes that offering one at sleep time also lowers the risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, you may want to wait until feeding is going well, usually around 3 to 4 weeks. Keep it clean, and never tie it to your baby or their clothes.

6. Go for a Walk

Carry your baby in a carrier as you walk around the house, or go for a stroller walk. For young babies, face them in toward you, with their face visible and chin off their chest.

7. Sing and Talk Softly

Your voice is one of the most soothing sounds for your baby. Hum, sing or talk in a slow, calm voice.

8. Try Different Holds

Some babies calm down when held upright against your shoulder, in the “colic hold” along your forearm, or tummy-down across your lap. Use these holds only while your baby is awake and you’re watching, then move them onto their back to sleep.

9. Gently Rub Their Back

Slow, gentle back rubs while you hold your baby can relax both of you.

10. Tummy Massage and Bicycle Legs

With your baby on their back on a firm surface while awake, gently massage their tummy in a clockwise direction, or move their legs in a slow bicycling motion. This may help move gas along.

11. Burp Often

Burp your baby during and after feeds to release swallowed air. Holding them upright for 15 to 30 minutes after a feed can help too. If they fall asleep, lay them on their back in their crib.

12. Try the “5 S’s”

Pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp’s “5 S’s” are swaddling, side or stomach holding, shushing, swinging (gentle swaying in your arms) and sucking. The side and stomach position is for holding your baby while they’re awake only, never for sleep. Once your baby is calm and drowsy, place them on their back in their crib or bassinet.

What Not to Do

Don’t put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your baby. It can cause burns. A warm bath before bedtime is a safer way to relax them.
Don’t let your baby sleep on their side or tummy, or in a swing, bouncer or car seat.
Don’t use pillows, wedges or positioners in the crib.
Never shake a baby. If you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, put your baby down safely on their back in their crib and step away for a few minutes, or ask someone to take over.

When to Call the Doctor

Check with your pediatrician to confirm it’s colic. Call right away if your baby:

Is under 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Vomits forcefully, has green vomit, or has blood in their stool
Isn’t feeding well or gaining weight
Has a weak, high-pitched or unusual cry, or seems very sleepy or floppy
Is still crying for long stretches after 4 months

The Bottom Line

Swaddling, rocking, white noise, a pacifier, gentle massage and burping can all help a colicky baby calm down at night. Side and tummy holds are for awake soothing only. Always lay your baby on their back to sleep, in their own crib with nothing else in it. Colic is temporary and 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.

3 Sources

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