Coping with Newborn Colic: A Parent’s Survival Guide

26 August 2025

So, you've just welcomed your bundle of joy into the world. You imagined adorably sleepy cuddliness, sweet baby coos, and peaceful rocking chair lullabies. But instead, your newborn is screaming their tiny lungs out for hours every night, and you're running on fumes and coffee.

Welcome to the exhausting, emotional roller coaster that is newborn colic.

Before we dive into the survival guide, let's get one thing out of the way: if your baby has colic, you are NOT doing anything wrong. You're doing your absolute best — and that’s more than enough. This guide is here to help you survive and (hopefully) find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

What Is Colic, Really?

Colic is one of those mysterious baby conditions that seems to defy logic. Here's the official scoop: colic is when an otherwise healthy baby cries or fusses for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks.

It usually kicks in around the second or third week after birth and can last until around the three- or four-month mark (yep, we know that sounds like forever). No one’s exactly sure what causes colic, and that makes it all the more frustrating. It’s like your baby is in some sort of discomfort, but nothing soothes them.

Some of the suspected culprits include:
- Undeveloped digestive system
- Gas or acid reflux
- Food sensitivities (often from breastmilk)
- Overstimulation
- Adjusting to life outside the womb (hey, it’s a big deal!)

Recognizing the Signs of Colic

Think you're dealing with colic? Here are tell-tale signs:
- Intense, high-pitched crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
- Baby appears to be in pain: clenched fists, arched back, curled legs
- Crying begins and ends suddenly
- Hard to soothe or calm down
- Baby may pass gas or have a red face during episodes

Again, colic doesn't mean your baby is sick — but if you're ever unsure, always check in with your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues.

Surviving Colic: Practical Coping Strategies

Let’s be honest, dealing with colic can crush your confidence and sanity. So here's your go-to toolkit for surviving those rough months.

1. Embrace the 5 S's by Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Karp developed a method that mimics the womb environment to soothe fussy babies. The 5 S’s are a total game-changer:

- Swaddle: Wrap your baby snugly like a burrito. It provides comfort and security.
- Side/Stomach Position: Lay your baby on their side or stomach in your arms (NOT in the crib — back sleeping is still safest for sleep).
- Shush: Use white noise or a gentle “shhh” to calm your baby. It’s like the sound of blood rushing in the womb.
- Swing: Gentle rocking or swinging can work wonders.
- Suck: Pacifiers can be lifesavers for soothing.

Try them individually or all at once. Sometimes, that fifth "S" is Surrender. (Just kidding! Sort of.)

2. Rule Out and Manage Gas

Babies with colic often struggle with gas. After all, their digestive systems are brand new. Some tips to reduce gas:

- Burp often, during and after feeds.
- Try bicycle leg exercises to release gas bubbles.
- Consider gas drops or gripe water (after talking with your doc).
- If you’re bottle-feeding, experiment with anti-colic bottles that reduce air intake.

3. Check Your Diet (If You’re Breastfeeding)

Sometimes, what you eat can affect your baby through breastmilk. Common culprits that cause irritability in babies include:
- Dairy
- Caffeine
- Cabbage, broccoli, onions
- Chocolate (yeah, we know… ouch)

Try an elimination diet for a week or two to see if things change. Be sure to consult with a lactation expert or pediatrician before making major dietary changes.

4. Try Probiotics

There's growing evidence that infant probiotics (like Lactobacillus reuteri) might help reduce colic symptoms, especially if gut imbalance is a factor. These drops are safe and easy to use, but again — check with your pediatrician first.

5. Motion Is Magic

Babies love movement. It helps replicate that cozy, jiggly ride they had in the womb.

- Use a baby swing or vibrating bouncer
- Rock your baby in your arms or with a rocking chair
- Go for car rides (yep, this works!)
- Babywear with a wrap or sling while walking around the house

Sometimes you just have to keep moving—hey, bonus steps for your fitness goals!

Mental and Emotional Self-Care for Parents

Let’s not forget the real MVP here: YOU.

Coping with a colicky baby can be emotionally taxing, not to mention physically exhausting. You’re not being dramatic — sleep deprivation and the sound of a crying baby 24/7 really can make a person feel like they’re unraveling.

1. Take Breaks (Seriously, TAKE THEM)

If your partner, a friend, or a relative can step in, let them. Even 30 minutes away can recharge your batteries. And no, this doesn’t make you a "bad" parent. It makes you a smart one.

2. Say Yes to Help

Now is not the time to wave that superhero parent flag. Say "yes" when people offer to drop off dinner, watch the baby, or even clean a room. Let community carry you for a bit.

3. Talk About It

Colic can feel isolating. You may think, "Why is MY baby the only one crying like this?"

Talk to other parents. Join a postpartum support group. Find online forums. Trust us, this is more common than you think.

Heck, even a therapist can help you process the stress and anxiety. Your mental health matters.

4. Let Go of the Perfect Pinterest Parent Fantasy

If your house is messy, your sink has dishes, and you’re wearing the same shirt for the third day in a row — welcome to the club. This stage is about survival, not perfection.

When to See a Pediatrician

Colic might be harmless, but never assume all crying is "just colic." Make sure to talk to your pediatrician if:
- Baby has a fever
- You notice changes in feeding or bowel movements
- There's blood in stool or projectile vomiting
- Baby is lethargic or not gaining weight

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out. You are your baby’s best advocate.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Here’s the good news: colic doesn’t last forever. Most babies outgrow it by 3 to 4 months of age. The crying will taper off. The 3 a.m. pacing will stop. Your baby will smile at you, sleep a little longer, and suddenly — all that screaming will be a fuzzy memory.

Until then, take it one cry at a time.

This is hard, but you are not doing it wrong. You're doing something truly incredible — raising a little human through the toughest early days. That's real strength. That’s parenthood.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Colic is one of the first real parenting curveballs — and it hits hard. But it doesn’t define you or your baby. It’s a phase, and like all phases, it will end.

In the midst of it all, give yourself grace. Soak in the quiet moments when they come. And when it feels like too much, remember: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

You just have to get through it. And you will.