Generally, the best treatment of colic in infants in babies involves some dietary changes, soothing methods and dealing with any digestive tension that may be causing the condition. Although no one solution will help all babies, some techniques such as changing the formula, using a probiotic, playing white noise, or using gentle movement have been effective in a universal way. Pediatric chiropractic treatment can help in some cases, by alleviating stress in the nervous system, which can lead to longer crying times.
What Is Colic?
Colic is a crying that lasts over 3 hours per day, over 3 days per week, for over 3 weeks in a healthy infant (the “Rule of Three”). Usually occurs and is at its highest around 6 weeks of age and tends to disappear by 3-4 months of age.
It is estimated to affect 10-40% of all infants in the world and can be tiring and upsetting for new parents and their families, but is not actually harmful. Although the cause has not yet been determined, the most popular theories include immaturity of the gut, gas, feeding problems, and over-stimulation of the nervous system.
Common Treatments for Colic in Infants
There is no one-size-fits-all fix, but several approaches have shown real-world effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the most widely used options:
1. Dietary Changes for Breastfeeding Mothers
What a mother eats can directly affect her breast milk. Some infants are sensitive to dairy, caffeine, soy, or cruciferous vegetables in the maternal diet. Eliminating these for 2–3 weeks and monitoring your baby’s response is a practical first step recommended by many pediatricians.
2. Formula Adjustments
For formula-fed babies, switching to a hydrolyzed or hypoallergenic formula may reduce colic symptoms significantly. These formulas break down proteins that are harder for some infants to digest. Always consult your pediatrician before changing your baby’s formula.
3. Probiotics
Research has shown that Lactobacillus reuteri may reduce daily crying time in breastfed infants with colic. A study published in the BMJ found meaningful reductions in crying duration when this probiotic strain was used consistently. Probiotic drops are available over the counter, but talk to your doctor before starting.
4. Soothing and Environmental Techniques
Sometimes the solution is sensory. The following techniques are simple but often effective:
White noise — mimics the sounds of the womb and calms an overstimulated nervous system
Swaddling — creates a secure, womb-like feeling that reduces startle reflexes
Rhythmic motion — rocking, car rides, or vibrating bouncers can interrupt a crying cycle
Skin-to-skin contact — regulates the baby’s heart rate, temperature, and stress hormones
Pacifier use — non-nutritive sucking activates the calming parasympathetic nervous system
5. Simethicone and Gas Drops
Gas drops that are available without a prescription (also known as simethicone) are commonly used, and there is some evidence that they can help relieve colic. They may be helpful if it is obvious that gas is a factor (i.e. if your baby strains, has an arched back or pulls up his or her legs often).
When is it time to seek help from a Pediatric Chiropractor?
A chiropractor for children could be an option if other methods haven’t given you a permanent solution. This is particularly important if the colic lasts beyond 4 months, or is associated with other symptoms such as torticollis (tilting head), latching problems or asymmetry in posture.
The underlying principles of chiropractic treatment of infantile colic are related to the nervous system. Even normal birth can put strain on an infant’s spine and its surrounding soft tissue. This imbalance could be transmitted to the vagus nerve, the nerve that is important for digestion and gut-brain communication. Spinal adjustments are gentle and done in a way to ease that tension and restore proper nervous system communication.
What Does the Research Say?
Several studies have examined chiropractic care as a potential option for infant colic relief. A systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation appeared to reduce crying time in colicky infants. While researchers note the need for more large-scale controlled trials, parent-reported outcomes have been consistently positive in clinical settings.
It is important to note that chiropractic techniques used on infants are extremely gentle — nothing like adult adjustments. Pressure used is often no more than a finger-tip touch.
Signs a Chiropractic Evaluation May Be Helpful
Your baby consistently favors turning their head to one side
Latching during breastfeeding is uneven or painful for the mother
Colic symptoms haven’t improved after 8–12 weeks despite other treatments
Your baby arches their back during or after feeding
You had a lengthy labor, vacuum or forceps delivery, or C-section
How to Choose the Right Approach for Your Baby
No two babies are alike. What works for one may not work for another, and most parents find they need to try a combination of strategies before finding consistent relief.
A practical starting framework looks like this:
| Situation | Recommended Starting Point
|
| Breastfed baby with excessive gas | Maternal diet elimination + probiotics |
| Formula-fed baby with digestive upset | Hypoallergenic formula switch |
| Overstimulated, hard to soothe baby | White noise, swaddling, rhythmic motion |
| Colic with physical tension or latching issues | Pediatric chiropractic evaluation |
| Persistent colic beyond 3–4 months | Multidisciplinary evaluation including chiropractic |
What You Should Always Do First
Always exclude medical causes before seeking treatment. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy can present as colic and should be medically managed. Call your pediatrician as a first step at any time your baby is ill, particularly if your baby has a fever, has not been gaining weight or if your baby has blood in their stool.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also cautions against using things such as gripe water, which may contain alcohol and herbal extracts, since these are not proved to be safe and effective for babies.
Infant Colic Relief – The Takeaway For New Parents
Colic is only a short period of time, but it feels as if it’s forever at 2 a.m. Fortunately, there are real choices. Basic starts first — feeding changes, soothing and a pediatrician’s examination. If these do not provide long-term relief, a chiropractic evaluation tailored around the nervous system may be a helpful next step – especially for babies who exhibit physical tension in addition to symptoms.
Alive Gonstead Chiropractic‘s staff focuses on gentle and evidence-based chiropractic care for babies and kids. If your baby continues to have trouble, you may want to consider consulting a qualified pediatric chiropractor who could be the missing ingredient in your colic management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does colic usually end in babies?
Colic tends to be at its worst at about 6 weeks old and improves spontaneously by 3-4 months of age. It does not harm them; it’s just that it can be tiring for parents. Seek pediatrician’s advice if symptoms last longer than 4 months or if they get worse, as there may be underlying conditions.
Does chiropractic treatment help with baby colic?
Low force spinal manipulation, some studies indicate, can decrease the number of hours babies spend crying each day by alleviating tension in their nervous system, which can make them more comfortable.In colicky babies, low force spinal manipulation can decrease daily crying time by reducing tension in the nervous system and making them more comfortable, some studies suggest. Methods employed on babies are very gentle and harmless. It is not a replacement for but should be used in addition to a pediatric medical evaluation.
Does giving a gas drop to a baby with a colic help?
The use of gas drops with simethicone is prevalent and the evidence for using these drops specifically to treat colic is ambiguous. They can be of assistance if your baby’s discomfort is clearly due to gas. Any over the counter remedy that is used for a newborn should be discussed with your pediatrician first.
What are the feeding changes that can decrease colic symptoms?
If you’re nursing, cutting dairy, soy, or caffeine from your diet can aid. If the baby is formula-fed, changing to a hydrolyzed or hypoallergenic formula might help reduce symptoms. Be sure to change your baby’s feeding schedule as little as possible unless advised to do so by your pediatrician.
When should I seek specialist help for my baby who is colicky?
If colic persists beyond 4 months of age, your baby is not gaining weight and/or you see physical signs (such as tilting head, weak latch, back arching) request medical advice. A pediatric chiropractic doctor will be able to assess if the tension of the nervous system is being a contributing factor.
Are chiropractic treatments safe for babies and young children?
Absolutely, chiropractic is safe for babies, when applied by a qualified, pediatric chiropractor. The pressure applied is very light, usually only as much as the fingers. Always select a practitioner with particular expertise and experience in newborn and young children.
