It’s 2 AM again, and your baby has been crying inconsolably for three hours straight. You’ve tried feeding, changing, swaddling, walking, bouncing, and even that YouTube video of a hair dryer that your sister swore by. Nothing works. Your partner looks as exhausted as you feel, and you’re both wondering if you’re failing as parents. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and more importantly, you’re not doing anything wrong.
In my practice here in Austin, I see countless families who’ve been told their baby’s colic will “just pass” or that they need to “wait it out.” While it’s true that traditional colic symptoms often resolve by 3-4 months, there are proven remedies that can bring relief much sooner. The key is understanding that colic isn’t just excessive crying – it’s often a sign that your baby’s nervous system needs support to function properly.
What Most Parents Don’t Realize About Colic
Here’s what I wish every exhausted parent knew: colic is rarely just about digestion. While gas and feeding issues can contribute, the real culprit is often neurological. Your baby’s nervous system controls everything – from digestion and sleep cycles to their ability to self-soothe and regulate their responses to the world around them.
When we see babies in our South Austin practice, we often find what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a combination of birth trauma, environmental stressors, and nervous system dysregulation that manifests as colic symptoms. This isn’t about blame or judgment; it’s about understanding that even “normal” births can create tension in tiny spines and nervous systems that weren’t designed for the journey through the birth canal.
The good news? Once we address the root neurological causes, families often see improvements within days rather than months. Our INSiGHT scanning technology helps us identify exactly where nervous system interference is occurring, giving us a roadmap for targeted, gentle care.
7 Proven Colic Remedies That Actually Work
These remedies combine the latest research in pediatric neurology with time-tested approaches that address both symptoms and root causes. I’ve seen each of these make a real difference for Austin families, often when nothing else has worked.
1. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
This isn’t your typical “back cracking” – pediatric chiropractic care uses incredibly gentle pressure (about the same force you’d use to check a tomato’s ripeness) to address nervous system interference. In my practice, we often see that colicky babies have subluxations in their upper cervical spine that interfere with vagus nerve function.
The vagus nerve is crucial for digestion, sleep regulation, and the ability to move from “fight or flight” mode into “rest and digest” mode. When this system isn’t working properly, babies struggle with the very things that bring comfort – eating, sleeping, and self-soothing.
What makes our approach different is our use of objective scanning technology. We don’t guess where the problem might be; we measure exactly how your baby’s nervous system is functioning and track improvements over time.
2. Strategic Feeding Position Modifications
The way your baby feeds directly impacts their nervous system and digestive function. Many colicky babies improve dramatically with simple position changes that support optimal nervous system function during feeding.
Try the “biological nurturing” position: lean back at about a 45-degree angle and let your baby lie tummy-down on your chest or lap to nurse or bottle-feed. This position uses gravity to help with digestion and reduces the amount of air swallowed during feeding. It also activates your baby’s primitive reflexes in a positive way, supporting nervous system organization.
For bottle-feeding, keep your baby more upright and take frequent breaks to burp. Consider paced bottle feeding, which mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding and prevents overfeeding – a common trigger for colic symptoms.
3. Targeted Sleep Environment Optimization
Colicky babies often have dysregulated nervous systems that struggle to transition between sleep and wake states. Creating an environment that supports nervous system regulation can make a dramatic difference in both crying episodes and sleep quality.
White noise isn’t just helpful – it’s therapeutic. Choose sounds that mimic the womb environment (like continuous shushing or heartbeat sounds) and keep them at a consistent 50-60 decibels. The key is consistency; your baby’s dysregulated nervous system needs predictable sensory input to begin organizing itself.
Room temperature matters more than you might think. Keep the nursery between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating can trigger stress responses in babies with sensitive nervous systems, while being too cool makes it harder for them to maintain the deep sleep stages that promote nervous system recovery.
4. Structured Carrying and Movement Patterns
Random bouncing and walking might tire you out, but strategic movement patterns that support nervous system integration are far more effective. The “colic carry” – supporting your baby face-down along your forearm with their head in your palm – provides gentle pressure on their abdomen while allowing you to support their spine in proper alignment.
Rhythmic movement is key. Think about the gentle, consistent motion your baby experienced in the womb. Swaying, gentle bouncing on a yoga ball, or walking with consistent pace and rhythm helps activate the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in nervous system regulation and self-soothing.
Many Austin parents find that baby wearing in a properly fitted carrier reduces colic episodes significantly. The constant gentle movement and closeness to your regulated nervous system helps their dysregulated system begin to find balance.
5. Gentle Abdominal and Spinal Support Techniques
Simple techniques you can do at home can support the work we do in our office. Gentle clockwise belly massage following the path of the large intestine helps stimulate the vagus nerve and supports digestive function. Use organic coconut oil and very light pressure – you’re not trying to move gas bubbles, you’re supporting nervous system communication to the digestive tract.
Bicycle legs exercises aren’t just for gas relief – they help integrate primitive reflexes and support the development of proper movement patterns. Do these slowly and gently when your baby is calm, not during crying episodes.
Skin-to-skin contact does more than provide comfort. It helps regulate your baby’s nervous system through direct contact with your regulated system. This is particularly powerful for babies whose systems are stuck in sympathetic (fight or flight) overdrive.
6. Elimination Diet for Breastfeeding Mothers
While not every colicky baby has food sensitivities, inflammatory foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can contribute to nervous system irritation in sensitive babies. The most common culprits are dairy proteins, not lactose – so switching to lactose-free products won’t help if dairy is the issue.
Consider eliminating dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, and wheat for 2-3 weeks, then reintroducing one food group at a time. This isn’t about permanent dietary restrictions; it’s about identifying specific triggers that may be contributing to your baby’s nervous system dysregulation.
Work with a lactation consultant who understands the connection between maternal diet and infant nervous system function. Many Austin IBCLCs are familiar with this approach and can provide support during the elimination phase.
7. Coordinated Care Team Approach
The most effective colic remedies often involve multiple healthcare providers working together. In our practice, we frequently coordinate with pediatricians, lactation consultants, and other specialists to address all aspects of your baby’s health.
A pediatric chiropractor trained in neurological function can address nervous system interference, while your pediatrician monitors growth and development. A skilled lactation consultant can optimize feeding mechanics, while an occupational therapist might address sensory integration issues. When these professionals communicate and coordinate care, babies improve faster and more completely.
Don’t hesitate to seek multiple opinions or approaches. Advocating for your child’s health often means building a team of providers who understand that colic is complex and multifaceted.
Understanding the Nervous System Connection
When I explain to parents why their baby’s crying might be neurological rather than purely digestive, I often use this analogy: imagine your nervous system as your baby’s internal computer. This computer controls everything – digestion, sleep, breathing, heart rate, and the ability to feel calm and safe.
Now imagine that during the birth process, some of the “wiring” got compressed or irritated. The computer still works, but not optimally. Messages between the brain and body get delayed or distorted. The digestive system doesn’t receive clear signals about when to contract and relax. The sleep-wake cycles don’t regulate properly. The stress response system gets stuck in “on” mode.
This is what we often see with our INSiGHT neurological scanning technology. These scans show us exactly where nervous system communication is breaking down and help us track improvement as we address the interference with gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments.
What’s remarkable is how quickly babies can respond once we remove the interference. Unlike adults who may have had subluxations for years, babies’ nervous systems are incredibly adaptable. I’ve seen colicky babies who were crying 6+ hours daily settle into normal patterns within a week of starting care.
What to Expect: Timeline and Progress Markers
Parents often ask me, “How long will this take?” While every baby is different, there are typical patterns we see when addressing colic through nervous system support.
Week 1: Most families notice their baby has longer periods of calm between crying episodes. Sleep may still be fragmented, but the intense, inconsolable crying often reduces in duration if not frequency.
Week 2-3: Feeding typically becomes easier and more efficient. Babies often start having more predictable fussy periods (usually late afternoon/early evening) rather than random crying throughout the day.
Week 4-6: Sleep patterns begin to organize, with longer stretches at night. Daytime naps become more regular. The baby starts showing more alert, content periods during the day.
Beyond 6 weeks: Most babies are sleeping in 3-4 hour stretches at night and have established more predictable daily rhythms. Crying is typically limited to normal infant communication – when hungry, tired, or needing comfort.
It’s important to note that improvement isn’t always linear. Some babies have “leap” improvements where they suddenly sleep better or cry significantly less, while others make gradual, steady progress.
When Colic Becomes More Than Crying
If your baby’s colic symptoms include frequent spitting up, difficulty gaining weight, or signs of pain during feeding, these may be related to infant reflux issues that need additional attention. Similarly, if crying is accompanied by changes in bowel movements or signs of digestive distress, infant constipation might be contributing to the problem.
Supporting Your Baby’s Recovery at Home
Between appointments, there are specific things you can do to support your baby’s nervous system healing and reduce colic episodes. These techniques work best when combined with professional care rather than used in isolation.
Create Nervous System-Supporting Routines
Babies with dysregulated nervous systems thrive on predictable routines that don’t overstimulate their already sensitive systems. This doesn’t mean rigid schedules, but rather consistent patterns that help their nervous system learn what to expect.
Start with a simple pre-sleep routine: dim lights, gentle massage, quiet singing or humming, then feeding in the same location each time. The repetition helps your baby’s nervous system anticipate and prepare for sleep, making the transition easier.
During awake periods, provide appropriate sensory input without overwhelming their system. This might mean limiting visitors during the first few weeks of care, keeping household noise at moderate levels, and avoiding overstimulating toys or environments.
Monitor and Document Patterns
Keep a simple log of crying episodes, sleep patterns, and feeding times. You’re not looking for perfection, but patterns that can help identify triggers or show improvement over time. Many parents are surprised to discover their baby’s crying has decreased significantly even though it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
Note environmental factors too: weather changes, household stress levels, disruptions to routine, or new foods in your diet if breastfeeding. Babies with sensitive nervous systems often react to changes that seem unrelated to adults.
Practice Nervous System Co-Regulation
Your baby’s nervous system is constantly learning from yours. When you’re stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, your baby’s already dysregulated system can become more reactive. This isn’t about being perfect or never feeling stressed – it’s about intentional practices that support both of you.
Deep breathing exercises while holding your baby aren’t just for your benefit. Your baby can literally feel your nervous system shifting into a calmer state, which helps their system begin to regulate as well. This is one reason why skin-to-skin contact is so powerful for colicky babies.
Ready to Find Real Relief for Your Baby’s Colic?
If you’re exhausted from trying everything and ready for a approach that addresses the root cause, we’re here to help. Our gentle, neurologically-focused care has helped hundreds of Austin families find relief when traditional approaches haven’t worked.
Schedule your consultation today:
📞 (737) 348-0141
🌐 Book Online
📍 Serving South Austin, Circle C, Sunset Valley, Oak Hill, Barton Creek, Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle
When to Seek Additional Support
While neurologically-focused chiropractic care addresses the root cause of most colic cases, some babies need additional support for optimal results. Here are signs that coordinated care with other specialists might be beneficial:
Feeding-related signs: If your baby consistently arches their back during feeding, refuses to eat, or shows signs of pain when swallowing, tongue tie or lip tie issues might be contributing to both feeding difficulties and nervous system irritation.
Sleep-related concerns: Babies who startle excessively, have difficulty transitioning between sleep cycles, or seem to “fight” sleep even when exhausted may have sleep regulation issues that require additional intervention beyond addressing nervous system interference.
Developmental observations: If your baby seems to have unusual muscle tone, delayed reflexes, or isn’t meeting early milestones alongside colic symptoms, early evaluation by a developmental specialist can ensure comprehensive care.
Remember, seeking additional support doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that chiropractic care isn’t working. It means you’re being thorough in addressing all aspects of your baby’s health and development.
The Austin Advantage: Building Your Support Network
One of the benefits of addressing colic in Austin is our city’s collaborative healthcare community. Many local pediatricians, lactation consultants, and specialists understand the value of integrative approaches to infant health.
When choosing healthcare providers, look for professionals who are willing to communicate with your other providers and who understand that colic is often multifaceted. Ask potential providers about their experience with babies who haven’t responded to traditional approaches and whether they’re familiar with nervous system-based care.
Local resources like the Austin Breastfeeding Support Group and Central Texas Baby Wearing International chapter can provide peer support during this challenging time. Sometimes just knowing other parents have walked this path and found solutions can provide hope during the hardest days.
Beyond Colic: Supporting Long-term Development
While immediate relief from crying is the primary goal, addressing nervous system function early often has benefits that extend far beyond the colic period. Babies whose nervous systems are supported during this critical early development period often show improved outcomes in areas like:
Sleep regulation continues to improve as the nervous system matures. Many families report that babies who received early nervous system support become better sleepers overall, not just during the infant period.
Digestive function often remains more stable throughout childhood. The nervous system controls all aspects of digestion, so supporting optimal function early can prevent issues like chronic constipation, reflux, or food sensitivities later in childhood.
Immune system development benefits from proper nervous system function. The nervous system and immune system communicate constantly, so babies with well-regulated nervous systems often have stronger, more balanced immune responses as they grow.
Behavioral and emotional regulation skills develop more easily when the underlying nervous system is functioning optimally. While we can’t prevent all childhood behavioral challenges, supporting nervous system function early provides a strong foundation for emotional regulation skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colic Remedies
Why won’t my baby stop crying at night and how do I know if it’s colic?
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy baby. However, the timing matters too – colicky babies often have their most intense crying episodes in late afternoon or evening, typically between 6 PM and midnight. If your baby’s crying seems excessive, occurs at predictable times, and isn’t easily soothed by feeding, changing, or holding, it’s likely colic rather than normal infant fussiness.
What actually works for colic that I can try right now at home?
Start with the “5 S’s” modified for nervous system support: Swaddle snugly but not too tight, Side/stomach positioning while awake and supervised, Shushing with consistent white noise, Swaying with rhythmic motion, and Sucking with a pacifier or clean finger. The key is doing these consistently and gently rather than frantically. Also try the colic carry position and gentle clockwise belly massage with coconut oil. If these provide temporary relief, it’s a good sign that professional nervous system support could provide lasting improvement.
How long does colic last and when will this crying finally stop?
Traditional colic typically peaks around 6 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months as the nervous system naturally matures. However, with neurologically-focused care, many families see significant improvement within 1-2 weeks and resolution within 4-6 weeks. The timeline depends on factors like birth trauma, how long symptoms have been present, and how well your baby responds to nervous system support. Most importantly, you don’t have to wait months for relief – effective interventions can help much sooner.
Is gripe water safe for newborns and does it really help with colic?
Gripe water can provide temporary relief for some babies, but it’s treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. If you choose to use gripe water, select alcohol-free, preservative-free versions and use sparingly. Many families find that gripe water works initially but becomes less effective over time because it’s not addressing the underlying nervous system dysfunction that drives colic symptoms. Focus on remedies that support nervous system function for longer-lasting results.
Why does my baby cry more in the evening and what can I do about it?
Evening crying is incredibly common in colicky babies and relates to nervous system regulation patterns. Throughout the day, babies with sensitive nervous systems accumulate stress and overstimulation. By evening, their systems are overwhelmed and they haven’t yet developed the ability to self-regulate effectively. This is why many babies have “witching hour” crying between 6-10 PM. You can help by reducing stimulation in the late afternoon, starting calming routines earlier, and using consistent soothing techniques. Professional nervous system support helps babies develop better regulation skills so they don’t become overwhelmed by normal daily experiences.
Best pediatrician near me for colic help and when should I call the doctor?
Look for pediatricians who understand that colic can have neurological components and are open to integrative approaches. In the Austin area, seek providers who are familiar with nervous system-based care and willing to coordinate with other healthcare professionals. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has a fever, isn’t gaining weight, has projectile vomiting, blood in stool, or if the crying suddenly changes character or timing. Also call if you’re feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby – postpartum support is crucial during this challenging time.
Does swaddling help colicky babies or am I doing something wrong?
Swaddling can be very helpful for colicky babies because it provides the deep pressure input that helps regulate an overstimulated nervous system. However, technique matters – swaddle snugly around the arms and chest but leave room for hip movement to prevent hip dysplasia. The swaddle should be snug enough to prevent the startle reflex but not so tight it restricts breathing or circulation. If your baby fights the swaddle or seems more agitated, try swaddling with arms up or using a different swadling technique. Some babies with nervous system dysregulation prefer gentle pressure without full restriction.
What’s the difference between normal crying and colic in 6 week old babies?
Normal infant crying usually has identifiable causes – hunger, dirty diaper, tiredness, or need for comfort – and responds to appropriate intervention. Colic crying is intense, often sounds painful or panicked, occurs at predictable times (usually late afternoon/evening), and doesn’t respond to normal soothing measures. Colicky babies often clench their fists, arch their backs, pull their knees to their chest, and seem inconsolable. The crying typically lasts for hours rather than minutes and occurs even when all basic needs are met. If your 6-week-old has intense crying episodes that last more than an hour and occur multiple times per week, it’s likely colic rather than normal infant communication.
You Don’t Have to Suffer Through This Alone
Colic can make even the most confident parents feel helpless and overwhelmed. Please know that seeking help isn’t a sign of failure – it’s a sign of good parenting. Your baby’s colic symptoms are real, your exhaustion is valid, and there are effective solutions available.
If you’ve been told to “just wait it out” or that “all babies cry,” trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone, and if something feels wrong, it’s worth investigating further. Many Austin families have found relief through nervous system-focused care when traditional approaches haven’t worked.
Ready to take the next step? Call us at (737) 348-0141 or schedule your consultation online. We’re here to support your family’s journey toward better health and peaceful nights.
Your Next Steps Toward Relief
If you’re reading this at 3 AM with a crying baby, know that help is available. The colic remedies we’ve discussed work best when they address the root cause – nervous system dysregulation – rather than just managing symptoms.
Here at River City Wellness, we understand the desperation and exhaustion that comes with colic. We’ve helped hundreds of Austin families move from survival mode to thriving, and we’d be honored to support your family too.
Our approach is gentle, safe, and focused on supporting your baby’s natural healing ability. We use objective measurements to track progress, so you’ll know exactly how your baby is improving rather than just hoping for the best.
You don’t have to endure months of sleepless nights and inconsolable crying. Many fussy babies who seem impossible to soothe are simply dealing with nervous system challenges that respond beautifully to the right care.
Call (737) 348-0141 today to schedule your consultation, or visit our online booking page to choose a time that works for your family. We serve families throughout South Austin, Circle C, Sunset Valley, Oak Hill, Barton Creek, Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle.
Your baby’s colic doesn’t have to be something you just survive. With the right support and approach, it can be something you overcome – together.
