sleeppostpartumcolic
Colic - Sleeping Solutions
Roo Team·
Colic - Sleeping Solutions
Possible issues for crying and not sleeping
Colic
- Baby suddenly starts crying hard, often at the same time every day (usually evening)
- Crying is intense, not just normal fussiness
- Pulls legs up to tummy, clenches fists
- Face turns red, looks uncomfortable
Common Solutions Suggested by Mothers & Experts for Colic / Discomfort
From Sonal (mother of a 6-month-old)
- Regular tummy time to help release trapped gas
- Gentle tummy massage to ease discomfort
- Use of colic relief drops (as advised by a pediatrician)
- Applying a small amount of hing (asafoetida) mixed with water around the navel area, 4–5 times a day
Note: Hing application is a traditional remedy. While widely used in India, there is limited scientific evidence supporting it. It is generally considered safe externally if the skin is not irritated.
From Pooja (mother of an 8-month-old)
- Also used hing + water around the navel
- Found that taking the baby for an evening car ride helped significantly — the motion soothed the baby and improved sleep
Insight: Rhythmic motion (car rides, rocking) mimics womb-like sensations and can calm babies.
From Dr. Rani (Pediatric guidance)
- Gentle abdominal massage, twice daily
- Tummy time to support digestion and gas movement
These are widely recommended, low-risk interventions for gas and mild colic.
From Viji (Ayurvedic doctor & birth expert, US)
Focus areas:
- Mother’s digestion and diet (especially for breastfeeding mothers)
- Avoid foods that may cause excess gas or “heat” (very spicy, oily, or hard-to-digest foods)
- Evaluate feeding technique and patterns (latch, frequency, overfeeding)
- After feeding, hold the baby upright for ~20 minutes before laying them down
Her perspective:
- The issue is often digestive discomfort
- Could present as:
- Colic
- Acid reflux
If the baby is particularly uncomfortable when lying flat, reflux is more likely.
Additional Evidence-Based Tips (Backed by Pediatric Guidance)
- Burping is key: Burp the baby during and after feeds to reduce gas buildup
- Feeding position matters: Keep the baby’s head slightly elevated during feeding
- Check for overfeeding: Smaller, more frequent feeds can sometimes help
- Watch for swallowing air: Poor latch (breastfeeding) or fast-flow bottles can increase gas
- Warm compress: A gently warm cloth on the tummy can help relax muscles
- Bicycle legs exercise: Moving baby’s legs in a cycling motion can relieve gas
- Consistent routine: Babies with colic often respond well to predictable rhythms (feeding, sleep, soothing)
When to Consider Reflux vs Colic
Likely Colic
- Crying mostly in evenings, improves with soothing
- Pulling legs to chest, gas relief helps
Likely Reflux
- Arching back, discomfort when lying flat
- Frequent spit-up or vomiting