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Understanding Infant Colic: Finding Hope in the Hardest Moments



If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve rocked your crying baby for what feels like an eternity, pacing the floors in the dim glow of the nightlight, wondering if the tears will ever stop—yours or theirs. Colic is one of the most exhausting and heartbreaking experiences a new parent can face. The long, inconsolable crying spells. The way your baby arches their tiny back in discomfort. The helpless feeling in your chest as you try everything—singing, bouncing, feeding, swaddling—only to find nothing seems to work.


First, take a deep breath. You are not alone. More importantly, there is hope.


Why Is My Baby Crying So Much?


Doctors define colic by the "Rule of Threes": crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for over three weeks. But definitions don’t matter when you’re in the thick of it. You just want relief—for your baby and for yourself.


So, what’s causing this endless distress? Colic is not a diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying issue which can include:


  • Digestive Immaturity: Your baby’s gut is still developing, making digestion a tough task.

  • Trapped Gas: Swallowing air while feeding or crying can lead to painful bloating.

  • Food Sensitivities: Certain breast milk or formula proteins may be hard on your baby’s tummy.

  • Overstimulation: A bright, noisy, and new world can overwhelm their delicate nervous system.

  • Birth Stress: The journey into this world isn’t always smooth, and misalignments in the spine from birth can cause discomfort.

  • Nervous System Imbalance: Once sympathetic dominance sets in, they struggle with basic health functions like sleeping, eating and pooping which can lead to being uncomfortable.

  • Maternal stress during pregnancy: Maternal stress during pregnancy can dysregulate the developing fetal nervous system and gut microbiome, predisposing the baby to colic by increasing sensitivity to stress, digestive issues, and difficulty with self-regulation after birth.


You’re Doing Everything Right—Here’s What Might Help


Colic doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent. It means your baby needs extra support adjusting to life outside the womb. Instead of just managing the symptoms, let’s talk about how we can help their tiny body find balance and relief.


  • Dietary Tweaks: If breastfeeding, try eliminating common allergens like dairy, soy, and wheat to see if there’s an improvement.

  • Probiotics: Good bacteria, like Lactobacillus reuteri, can help ease tummy troubles and reduce crying time.

  • Soothing Herbal Remedies: Chamomile, fennel, and ginger have been used for generations to calm upset little bellies.

  • Babywearing: Holding your baby close in a wrap or carrier can provide comfort and regulate their nervous system.

  • Gentle Abdominal Massage & Tummy Time: Helping trapped gas move through their tiny body can bring much-needed relief.


Chiropractic Care: A Gentle Touch with Big Results


One of the most overlooked yet effective ways to support a colicky baby is through pediatric chiropractic care. Birth is a big event, and whether it was a smooth delivery or involved interventions, it can put stress on your baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments can help remove tension, improve digestion, and calm your little one’s body.


Parents who seek chiropractic care for their colicky babies often see:


  • Less crying: The episodes become shorter and less intense.

  • Improved feeding: Improved efficiency, latch, and easier burps when feeding on the breast or bottle.

  • Better sleep: Longer, more restful stretches for both baby and parents.

  • Improved digestion: Less gas, reflux, and tummy troubles.

Research published in Pathways to Family Wellness supports the idea that chiropractic care can help regulate the autonomic nervous system—responsible for digestion, sleep, and overall comfort.


You Are Not Alone—And This Will Pass


Colic can make you feel like you’re drowning in exhaustion and uncertainty. But your baby is not broken, and neither are you. This is just a season, and you can both come through it stronger with the right support.


We’re here to walk this journey with you. If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can support your baby, we invite you to reach out. Let’s work together to bring more ease, comfort, and peace to your little one—and you.


Visit Flower of Life Chiropractic to learn more. You deserve support. Your baby deserves relief. And brighter days are ahead.

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