Natural Remedies for Colic

For many new parents, hearing the word “colic” can be overwhelming. Colic is a common challenge, but it's not always well understood and just because it is common, doesn’t mean that it is normal. The term describes episodes of excessive crying and fussiness in infants, often appearing in babies as young as a few weeks old. Although colic has clear guidelines for diagnosis—crying for at least three hours a day, three or more days a week, for three weeks or more—it doesn’t have a single identifiable cause, making it tricky to address.

Experts believe colic may stem from an immature nervous system that struggles to regulate the flood of new sensory experiences, from lights and sounds to physical sensations. This heightened sensitivity can lead to extended crying episodes, often triggered by both unpleasant and even neutral stimuli, like hunger, gas, fatigue, or sudden noises. Since colic is both exhausting and stressful for parents, many look for ways to help soothe their baby in a natural, gentle way. Here are some promising options.

Natural Remedies for Babies with Colic

Natural remedies can offer calming and comforting effects for babies experiencing colic. These options are often gentle, non-invasive, and work to ease the baby’s discomfort without relying on medications. Below, we’ll explore several types of natural remedies that might bring relief.

Types of Natural Products for Colic Relief

Magnesium Cream

Magnesium is known for its relaxing properties and can help ease muscle tension. For babies, a gentle magnesium cream applied to their feet or tummy may help them feel more relaxed. Magnesium is naturally calming, and small, safe applications may help relax the baby’s muscles, which might ease colicky symptoms. It’s important to speak to a healthcare provider before starting, as they can recommend safe products and guide proper application.

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Baby Probiotics

The digestive system plays a major role in colic, and probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus reuteri, have shown promise in reducing symptoms. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that babies taking probiotics experienced significant reductions in fussiness and improved parental perception of colic. Specifically, the study reported a 66% decrease in fussiness and a 72% improvement in parents’ perception of their baby’s colic by the end of the study period. Probiotics support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which may improve digestion and comfort for colicky babies.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs, like chamomile and fennel, are known for their gentle, calming effects and can sometimes aid digestion. Chamomile, for instance, is soothing and helps relax the nervous system, which may help a colicky baby feel more relaxed overall. Fennel is commonly used in baby colic formulas as it can help reduce gas and bloating. It’s crucial to ensure that these are safe for your baby’s age and used in appropriate dosages, as some herbs may not be suitable for infants.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic options are another area some parents explore for colic relief. Remedies like Colocynthis, Carbo vegetabilis, Cuprum metallicum and Chamomilla are commonly suggested for colic symptoms. Parents should consult a homeopathic professional to ensure safety and suitability for their baby.

Therapies for Colic Relief

While natural remedies like creams and probiotics focus on providing comfort from the outside or within, hands-on therapies can offer additional support by addressing underlying tensions in the baby’s body. Techniques like pediatric chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy aim to gently support the baby’s physical and nervous systems, helping to ease discomfort and promote relaxation. These approaches are non-invasive and focus on nurturing the baby's nervous system and overall well-being.

Here’s a closer look at each therapy and how they may help relieve colic symptoms:

Chiropractic Care for Colic

Chiropractic care focuses on the connection between the brain and body, and some parents find that gentle adjustments can help reduce their baby’s colic symptoms.

One study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics compared chiropractic care with dimethicone (a digestive aid) in infants with colic. After a week, babies receiving chiropractic care had a significant reduction in crying time—by 2.4 hours—compared to a one-hour reduction in the dimethicone group. Chiropractic care may help correct any misalignments, allowing better communication between the nervous system and the body, which could reduce overstimulation and help calm colicky episodes.

When seeking chiropractic care for your infant, the most important thing is to find a qualified pediatric chiropractor with the appropriate training and experience to work with your little one. It is also important to make sure they are a nervous-system-focused chiropractor who can perform non-invasive neurological scans to help pinpoint the root cause of your baby’s colic.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle technique that works with the baby’s soft tissues, particularly around the head and spine. A CST practitioner uses light pressure to help release any tension or compression in the cranial area that may be causing discomfort. This therapy is believed to help the baby’s nervous system relax, potentially reducing symptoms associated with colic. While research on CST for colic is limited, some parents report positive results, making it a therapy worth exploring under professional guidance.

Colic is a challenging but common experience for new parents. It’s important to remember that colic doesn’t last forever and that, with patience and the right support, many parents find ways to ease their baby’s discomfort. Natural remedies like magnesium cream, probiotics, herbal and homeopathic options, and therapeutic approaches like pediatric chiropractic and CST offer gentle alternatives that may help relieve colic symptoms.

Every baby is unique, so finding the right approach may take time and exploration. If you know a family with a colicky baby, sharing this information can provide them with helpful options and much-needed encouragement as they navigate this early stage of their baby’s life.