Soothing Colic and Reflux: Gentle Tips for New Parents

If you're a new parent navigating sleepless nights, inconsolable crying, and constant feeds, you're not alone. Colic and reflux are incredibly common in the first few months of life — and they can make those early days feel overwhelming.

The good news? There are small, gentle things you can do to help soothe your baby and support their developing digestive system.

Let’s break it down simply, so you can feel a little more confident (and hopefully get a little more rest).

What Is Colic? And What About Reflux?

Colic is usually defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby — often in the late afternoon or evening. There’s no single cause, but it may be linked to trapped wind, immature digestion, or nervous system sensitivity.

Reflux is when milk comes back up from your baby’s stomach into their throat or mouth. Sometimes it causes posseting, and sometimes it's "silent" — with no obvious vomiting but lots of discomfort.

Both can be distressing to witness. But they're also part of many babies’ normal development, and they often improve with time.

Tips to Ease Colic and Reflux Naturally

These tips are safe, gentle, and easy to try at home:

1. Upright Feeding and Winding

Hold your baby upright during and after feeds. This helps gravity do its job and may reduce the chances of milk coming back up.

Try winding your baby frequently during a feed (not just after) to help reduce trapped wind.

2. Slow Down the Feed

If bottle-feeding, use a slow-flow teat to reduce gulping and air intake. For breastfed babies, try paced feeding or switching sides more frequently.

3. Keep Baby Moving (Gently)

Rhythmic motion — like rocking, walking, or a gentle bounce on a birthing ball — can help settle an unsettled tummy. It also stimulates the nervous system in a calming way.

4. Baby Massage and Tummy Time

Tummy massage in a clockwise direction can help move trapped wind. A warm bath followed by gentle massage may also help relax tense muscles.

Tummy time (when baby is awake and supervised) can strengthen their core and support digestion too.

5. Watch for Overstimulation

Sometimes, crying is a build-up of stimulation as much as discomfort. Try dim lights, soft white noise, or skin-to-skin contact to help reset their little nervous system.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your baby isn’t gaining weight, seems to be in constant pain, or feeds are consistently distressing, speak with your GP or health visitor.

You can also explore gentle hands-on therapies, like cranial osteopathy, which some parents find helpful for babies with colic or reflux symptoms. These treatments aim to support the nervous and digestive systems in a non-invasive way.

Final Thoughts

Colic and reflux can be exhausting and emotional for everyone involved. But remember: this phase is temporary. You're not doing anything wrong, and you're not alone.

With time, patience, and a few gentle strategies, most babies settle naturally as their systems mature.

Trust your instincts, accept support when it’s offered, and don’t underestimate the power of simple things: closeness, movement, warmth, and time.

You've got this. 🌿