Bringing your newborn home is exciting, but it can also be tough when your baby cries for hours and nothing seems to help. Two of the most common reasons for newborn fussiness are colic and gas. While they can look similar, knowing the difference, and having a few soothing tricks up your sleeve, can make these long nights a little easier.
What’s the Difference Between Colic and Gas?
Gas
Every baby swallows air while feeding or crying, and that air can get trapped in their tiny tummies. This trapped gas stretches the stomach and causes discomfort. Signs of gas include:
- A firm, bloated tummy.
- Fussiness that improves after passing wind.
- Squirming, grunting, or drawing their legs up.
Gas is a normal part of being a newborn, but helping your baby release it can make them more comfortable.
Colic
Colic is more than ordinary fussiness, it’s intense, prolonged crying that doesn’t have an obvious cause. Doctors often use the “Rule of 3” to describe colic:
- Crying for more than 3 hours a day
- On at least 3 days a week
- For at least 3 weeks in a row
Colic usually starts around 2–3 weeks old, peaks at 6 weeks, and gradually improves by 3–4 months. During this time, your baby may clench their fists, arch their back, or turn red in the face from crying. The good news? Colic is harmless and does eventually pass.
How to Relieve Gas in Babies Here are some gentle ways to help your baby release trapped air:
1. Burp During and After Feeds
Babies don’t always burp on their own, so helping them mid-feed and afterwards can make a big difference. Hold your baby upright on your shoulder or seated on your lap while supporting their head and neck. Use a gentle, firm patting motion or rub in small circles on their back until you hear or feel a burp. Some babies burp quickly, while others take a few minutes. Patience helps.
2. Try Bicycle Legs
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a peddling motion, like they’re riding a tiny bike. This helps move trapped air through their digestive system. You can also gently push both knees up toward their tummy for a few seconds, then release, this often helps gas bubbles escape.
3. Gentle Tummy Massage
Using warm hands, massage your baby’s tummy in slow, clockwise circles (this follows the natural path of the intestines). Keep the movements light and soothing. A few minutes can ease bloating and give comfort. Always wait at least 30 minutes after a feed to try tummy massage, to avoid causing spit-up.
4. Upright Feeding Position
Holding your baby more upright during feeds can reduce the amount of air they swallow. If bottle-feeding, check the teat or nipple flow, if it’s too fast, your baby may gulp and swallow air; if too slow, they may suck in air from working too hard. Try bottles designed to reduce air intake if gas is a recurring issue.
Many parents find that anti-colic bottles make a huge difference because they’re designed to reduce swallowed air. My personal favourite is the Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent, which has a vent system to help helps gas and fussiness.
How to Soothe a Colicky Baby Colic can be harder to manage, but these comfort techniques may help:
• Swaddling – Wrapping your baby snugly (but safely) can make them feel secure.
Swaddling recreates the snug feeling of the womb and can help calm overstimulated babies. Use a breathable blanket and wrap your baby gently, leaving room for their hips to move. Some babies find swaddling instantly comforting during crying spells.
• Motion – Rocking, baby-wearing in a sling, or a gentle stroller walk can calm fussiness.
Gentle movement is one of the most effective ways to soothe colic. Rock your baby in your arms, sway while standing, or use a baby swing or carrier. Even a slow walk in the stroller or a drive in the car can help. Rhythmic motion is calming for babies.
• White Noise – Soft shushing, a white noise machine, or even the sound of a hairdryer can mimic the womb.
In the womb, babies are surrounded by constant sounds. For exampe – your heartbeat, blood flow, and muffled voices. White noise (a fan, white noise machine, or even a recording of womb sounds) can recreate that environment. Soft shushing sounds from you can also work wonders.
• Warm Bath – Warm water can relax tense muscles and soothe crying spells.
A warm water relaxes tense muscles and can help distract your baby from discomfort. Keep the bath short (5–10 minutes), and follow it with a cozy towel wrap. Sometimes the change in sensation resets their mood.
When to Call a Doctor:
Most colic and gas are harmless, but you should always check with your paediatrician if your baby shows any of the following signs:
- Persistent vomiting, especially if it’s green or forceful.
- Fever or being unusually lethargic.
- Blood in stools or stools that look black and tarry.
- Poor weight gain or feeding difficulties.
- Crying that feels extreme or different from usual.
Your healthcare provider can rule out other issues and give you peace of mind.
Final words
Colic and gas can test any parent’s patience, but remember: this phase is temporary. With a little trial and error, you’ll find what soothes your baby best. And if it all feels overwhelming, take a break—place your baby safely in their crib and give yourself a moment to breathe.
Bright Little Steps Tip:
Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your baby. The calmer and more rested you are, the easier it is to comfort your little one.
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