Infant colic: the massages and moves that soothe

It's 7 p.m., your baby has eaten, their nappy is clean, they're thriving on the scale — and yet they're screaming, fists clenched, legs pulled up over the tummy. If this scene rings a bell, breathe: colic affects up to one baby in four, it's a sign of no illness, and it goes away on its own. In the meantime, there are moves that soothe — massage first among them.

First, put it into words: what is colic?

We talk about colic when a healthy baby, who feeds well and grows well, cries intensely and is hard to calm, often at the end of the day — the classic marker being more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week. It begins around 2-3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks, and almost always fades between 3 and 4 months. It's no one's fault: not your milk, not the way you hold them, not you.

The tummy massage, how to do it

The timing matters as much as the move: choose a period of calm wakefulness, at least 30 minutes after a feed — never right after the breast or bottle. Baby on their back, on a flat surface, warm room, warmed hands, and perhaps a drop of baby-suitable oil. Then, gently:

1. Clockwise circles. With your palm flat, massage the tummy in slow circles clockwise — that's the direction of flow in the intestine, around the navel. 2. Bicycle legs. Take their ankles and gently pedal their legs, like a little bicycle. 3. Knees to the tummy. Fold both knees together against the tummy, hold for a few seconds, release. Repeat the whole thing for as long as your baby enjoys it — if they stiffen or protest, stop and try again later.

Four numbered steps: bicycle legs, knees folded to the tummy, clockwise massage circles, diagram of the intestinal path with gas bubbles — Bicycle legs, knees-to-tummy, clockwise circles: three moves that follow the natural path of gas through the intestine.

💡 The ritual that counts double Done every day at the same time (after the bath, for example), this massage becomes a ritual: it helps digestion AND it's a moment of connection that soothes — you as much as your baby.

Burping, the most underrated anti-colic move

Some of the air swallowed during feeds ends up later in the intestine. Take the time to burp after every feed — and even halfway through the bottle if your baby drinks fast: held upright against your shoulder or sitting on your lap, back nice and straight, a few gentle pats between the shoulder blades. No burp after 10-15 minutes despite the upright position? It's not compulsory every time, so don't persist.

When the massage isn't enough

On crisis evenings, alternate the safe bets: babywearing tummy against you (the warmth of your body on their tummy often works better than a hot water bottle), skin-to-skin, a dimmed atmosphere with soft white noise, a walk or slow rocking. And if nothing works: laying your baby safely in their crib, on their back, and stepping out to catch your breath for five minutes is the move of a good parent, not abandonment. A baby who cries despite everything is not in danger — a parent at the end of their rope is.

⚠️ When to see a doctor Colic doesn't explain everything. Seek medical advice promptly if the crying comes with a fever (in a baby under 3 months, any fever of 38 °C or more warrants an emergency consultation), repeated or greenish vomiting, blood in the stools, refusal to feed, weight loss, or if your baby seems floppy and unusual between the crises. And if the crying overwhelms you, tell your midwife or doctor: that's what they're there for.

Your questions, answered

Should I change formula (or stop breastfeeding) because of colic?

No, not on your own initiative: in the vast majority of cases, colic comes from neither breast milk nor infant formula, and breastfeeding remains recommended. If an intolerance is suspected, that's a decision to make with your doctor, never alone in front of the shelf.

Is a hot water bottle on the tummy a good idea?

Heat soothes, but a baby's skin burns quickly: avoid the hot water bottle directly. The safe version is the warmth of your body — baby carried tummy against you, or their tummy resting on your forearm, head in the crook of your elbow (the "tiger hold").

Do anti-colic drops and probiotics work?

The evidence is limited and varies by product. Some paediatricians suggest them case by case: talk to yours before buying anything, and be wary of miracle remedies sold online.

At what age should I massage, and for how long?

From the first weeks, as long as your baby enjoys it: 5 to 10 minutes is plenty. The best indicator is your baby — relaxed and attentive, carry on; tense or grumpy, put it off for later.

Spot the rhythm behind the crying

With Mama4care, note feeds, burps and crying with one tap: the app reveals the rhythm of the difficult evenings, and the assistant answers your questions — even during the 7 p.m. meltdown.

Download the app

Sources

This article is for information only and has been reviewed by the Mama4care team. It does not replace medical advice: for any question about your health or your baby's, talk to your midwife, doctor or paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.