Why Babies Get Colic (And What May Help)
If your baby cries for long periods, seems uncomfortable, and is difficult to settle, you may have been told it’s colic.
For many parents, colic can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and confusing — especially when nothing seems to soothe your baby.
So what actually is colic, and why does it happen?
Colic is rarely caused by just one thing. More often, it’s a combination of factors that can begin to feed into each other.
What Is Colic?
Colic is typically described as:
prolonged periods of crying
often in the late afternoon or evening
in an otherwise healthy baby
A common guideline used is the “rule of 3”:
crying for more than 3 hours a day
for more than 3 days a week
for at least 3 weeks
While this definition can be helpful, every baby is different — and if your baby seems unsettled or uncomfortable, your concerns are always valid.
Colic can typically look like:
Clenched fists
Arched back
A hard, swollen abdomen
Excessive gas
A painful look on their face
Their face turning red or purple after long periods of crying
Why Do Babies Get Colic?
Colic doesn’t have one single cause. Instead, it’s thought to be influenced by a combination of factors.
1. An Immature Digestive System
In the early weeks of life, a baby’s digestive system is still developing.
This can sometimes lead to:
gas or bloating
discomfort after feeds
difficulty processing milk
In some babies, there may also be sensitivities to certain proteins, such as cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI). This can occur in both breastfed and formula-fed babies and may contribute to:
increased fussiness or crying
digestive discomfort
changes in stools
reflux-like symptoms
This doesn’t mean something is “wrong,” but rather that your baby’s system may need extra support while it matures and adapts.
2. Nervous System Overload
Newborns are adjusting to a world that is bright, loud, and full of new sensations.
Some babies may become overwhelmed by:
noise
light
touch
stimulation throughout the day
This can lead to fussiness and crying, particularly later in the day when everything has “built up.”
3. Tension in the Body
Some babies may have tension through their neck, spine or body, especially after birth.
This may show up as:
difficulty settling
discomfort when lying certain ways
a preference for turning the head one direction
feeding challenges
a flat spot on their head (plagiocephaly)
Tension can make it harder for babies to feel comfortable and relaxed.
4. Feeding Challenges
Feeding plays a big role in a baby’s comfort.
Some babies may experience:
difficulty latching
swallowing excess air
reflux-like symptoms
In some cases, oral restrictions (such as tongue ties or lip ties) may impact how effectively a baby feeds.
This can lead to:
inefficient feeding
increased air intake
frustration at the breast or bottle
additional strain on the digestive system
When feeding isn’t working optimally, it can contribute to discomfort and unsettled behaviour.
5. Sensitivity to Their Environment
Some babies are simply more sensitive than others.
They may respond more strongly to:
stimulation
changes in routine
tiredness
These babies often need more support to regulate and settle.
How It All Connects
Colic is rarely caused by just one thing.
More often, it’s a combination of factors that can begin to feed into each other.
For example:
Tension in the body may make feeding more difficult
Feeding challenges can lead to increased air intake or digestive discomfort
Digestive discomfort can make babies more unsettled and harder to soothe
When babies are already upset, they can become more sensitive to their environment (light, noise, touch)
All of these factors can influence a baby’s developing nervous system.
When the nervous system becomes overwhelmed or dysregulated, babies may find it harder to settle, regulate, and feel comfortable in their bodies.
This can sometimes lead to:
more crying
increased tension through the body
ongoing unsettledness
Which can then continue the cycle.
A Gentle, Whole-Body Approach
Understanding how these factors connect allows us to take a more holistic approach.
Rather than looking for a single cause, we can begin to support:
your baby’s comfort
their feeding experience
their environment
and their nervous system
Small changes across each of these areas can help break the cycle and support your baby in feeling more calm, comfortable, and settled.What May Help a Colicky Baby?
There is no single solution for colic, but there are gentle strategies that may help support your baby.
Some options include:
• Holding and soothing your baby
• Gentle rocking or movement
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Reviewing feeding support (e.g. lactation support)
• Burping regularly during feeds
• Creating a calm, low-stimulation environment
Small changes can sometimes make a big difference.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
At The Nurture Haus, care for babies focuses on understanding the whole picture — not just the crying, but why it may be happening.
As an advanced paediatric chiropractor, Dr. Maddilyn works with families to help:
assess movement, posture and areas of tension in your baby’s body
identify factors that may be contributing to discomfort (such as feeding challenges or tension patterns)
support a calmer, more regulated nervous system
gently release tension in the neck, spine and body
Care is extremely gentle and tailored to each baby.
Where needed, we also work collaboratively with other health professionals (such as lactation consultants or GPs) to ensure families feel supported from all angles.
The goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to help you better understand your baby and support their comfort and development.
When to Seek Support
While colic is common, it’s always important to trust your instincts.
You may wish to seek support if:
your baby seems consistently uncomfortable
crying feels excessive or distressing
feeding is difficult
you feel overwhelmed or unsure
You are never overreacting by asking for help.
You’re Not Alone
Colic can be one of the most challenging parts of early parenthood, but it is also temporary.
With the right support, reassurance, and understanding, many families find ways to better support their baby — and themselves — through this stage.
If you’re ready to explore how we can support your baby, you can book an appointment below.