If I’m being honest, colic was the hardest part of new motherhood for me. It was the thing that shook me to my core and made it so difficult to feel like I was integrating with my little one. I felt helpless, scared that something was seriously wrong, and constantly defeated. No matter what I did, nothing seemed to soothe her. And in those long nights of endless crying, I felt like I was failing as a mother.
Like so many moms, I went through the endless food-elimination experiments—no dairy, no caffeine, no “trigger foods” of any kind for 30 days. And still, nothing. My stress was through the roof, my milk supply dwindled, and I eventually had to make the tough call to fully switch her to a goat milk formula. Thankfully, she thrived on it, but it came after a long, emotional battle with myself. This is what company we use https://thelittleoakcompany.ca/
I want to share what eventually *did* help us—not because it’s a one-size-fits-all answer (colic is such a beast), but because even one small shift can make all the difference for a struggling mama.
What Helped Us Get Through
1. The right bottle
We switched to Dr. Brown’s anti-colic bottles, and she loved the narrow nipple. That simple change made feedings so much smoother. Dr. Browns Bottles on Amazon.ca
2. Building her microbiome
We started her on a high-quality infant probiotic to support her little digestive system. Bio Gaia on Amazon.ca
3. Warm baths before bed
30 minutes before bed to calm her nervous system. Remember—you don’t always need soap. Even “baby safe” soaps can dry out their skin. When dryness showed up, this soothing botanical tea baths with colloidal oats worked wonders. Shop Botanical Baby Bath at Luna Rosa
4. Gentle tummy massage
After bath, I’d use Rainbow Baby, calming massage oil gently pressing on her tummy in clockwise circles or stroking down from the bottom of her left ribcage toward her hip. It helped move trapped gas downward. I'd also give her little feet massages as well, focusing on the side of the feet as well.
5. Colic Calm
This natural remedy was a game-changer on the really tough nights. The key ingredient—vegetable charcoal—works by gently drawing out toxins and gas through adsorption (different from absorption). It isn’t absorbed into the body, which made me feel safer giving it to her. Plus, it’s free of fillers, alcohol, dairy, and artificial junk. Colic Calm on Amazon.ca
6. The Windi (yes, really!)
I’ll admit I was nervous and uncomfortable the first time I tried it, but within seconds she was finally able to pass gas and often poop, bringing immediate relief. Remember to lubricate the area and the product before you use. And don't worry, it does get easier! Windi on Amazon.ca
7. Slippery elm
By 3 months, we introduced 4 drops of non-alcoholic slippery elm twice a day to help with constipation. Slippery Elm on iHerb.com
8. A warm flaxseed belly band
After all that effort, the soothing warmth helped calm her overworked tummy muscles. Warming Tummy Band on Amazon.ca
9. Groovy Gut
Through all of this, it ignited a spark to cultivate a natural product that would contribute to alleviant gas. Intro, Groovy Gut! A belly roller infused with powerful herbs such as Dill & Fennel but still gentle enough for baby's delicate body. Shop Groovy Gut at Luna Rosa
10. Chiropractor
If you have benefits and/or the cost is feasible for you, it is worth every penny! Now, don't be thinking snap, crackle, pop because that is not the case at all! They do VERY gentle movements to get things going. It helps mildly stimulate digestive movement and calm their nervous system. She always had THE BEST sleeps after her appointments.
What *didn’t* work for us
For the sake of honesty—because I know some of you will try everything like I did—the incline cushion and homeopathic Cocyntal drops didn’t make a difference for us.
The Emotional Side of Colic
No matter what you try, there will still be crying—sometimes from your baby, sometimes from you. And that’s okay. Skin-to-skin saved us on the hardest days, even when it didn’t “fix” the problem.
Please remember: it’s temporary. Colic *will* pass. When you’ve hit your limit, put your baby safely in their crib, close the door, and walk away for 10 minutes. They’ll be okay, and you’ll come back calmer.
I had to keep reminding myself:
* This isn’t her fault.
* She’s in pain and navigating a brand-new world.
* I’m not failing her—I’m learning alongside her.
And perhaps most importantly: **Ask for help.** Let go of the pressure to do it all or to “be strong.” You’re not a burden to the people who love you. You’re human.
Social media will try to convince you that everyone else has it figured out. They don’t. We’re all just figuring it out as we go.
A Note for Other Mamas
What worked for us may not work for you. But if even one of these strategies brings your baby (and you) a little relief, that’s a win.
Mama, you are not alone. You are doing an incredible job—even when it feels impossible. Hold onto the hope that it *will* get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
You got this. 💛
All my love,
Melanie
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