Relieving baby’s colic: natural, gentle and effective methods

If you’re the parent of an infant who squirms in pain at the end of the day, cries for no apparent reason and seems inconsolable, you’re probably dealing with the infamous infant colic. The good news is that, although distressing, colic is benign and generally disappears between 3 and 6 months of age. But in the meantime… what can you do to relieve baby’s colic without heavy medication?

Here is a selection of natural, gentle and tested solutions to soothe your baby on a daily basis.

1. Belly massage to relieve baby’s colic: a simple but highly effective procedure

Abdominal massage is one of the best ways to combat colic. It helps to release gas, aid digestion and relax the abdominal muscles.

How do you massage baby if colic is painful?

• Use a suitable vegetable oil (sweet almond, special baby oil or calendula).
• Warm your hands, then massage in a clockwise circular motion around the navel.
• The “I-L-U” technique (using your hand to form letters on the belly) is also very effective for moving gas forward.

Tip: perform this massage after bathing or before bedtime, in a calm environment.

2. Babywearing: a close-up solution for relieving colic

Carrying baby close to you, particularly in a sling, not only helps to reassure him emotionally, but also puts gentle pressure on his tummy, which can greatly relieve colic.

The best positions for soothing baby during colic episodes :

• Prone position: baby against your chest, head turned to the side.
• Frog position: legs bent, knees higher than buttocks – excellent for digestion.
• Gentle rocking while walking, with calm breathing, to accentuate the soothing effect.

3. A natural digestive drink from birth

Some gentle plant-based supplements are specially designed for babies to help prevent colic and relieve baby during these episodes:

Example: Calmosine digestion

• Made with fennel, orange blossom and lime blossom, this drink is renowned for its soothing effects on baby’s digestive system.
• Recommended dosage: 1 teaspoon before each meal.

Be sure to follow the instructions and keep the bottle refrigerated after opening.

4. Probiotics: an ally of the intestinal microbiota for colic

Recent studies show that probiotics can help rebalance an infant’s intestinal flora, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of colic.

Probiotics to consider:

• BioGaia (Lactobacillus reuteri)
• Lactibiane Children
• Pédiakid Colicillus Bébé

They come in easy-to-administer drops. Always seek the advice of a paediatrician before starting a course of treatment.

5. The environment and mealtimes

Sometimes, a few simple adjustments to everyday life can have a real impact:

• Avoid overfeeding baby: smaller, more frequent meals are better.
• Keep a calm environment when feeding or bottle-feeding.
• Put baby in an upright position after feeding, to encourage burping and reduce air intake.
• Watch what you eat if you’re breast-feeding: certain foods (cabbage, legumes, caffeine) can make colic worse.

Conclusion: Relieving baby’s colic is possible… with gentleness and patience

Infant colic is not inevitable. By combining comforting gestures, babywearing, massage, gentle plants and probiotics, you can considerably relieve your baby’s colic. The key is to adopt a holistic, patient and caring approach. Every baby is unique: sometimes one method is enough, sometimes you need to combine several. And above all, don’t forget: this period is passing. You’re already doing your best.