A Gentle, Holistic Guide to Colic: How to Support Your Baby’s Comfort and Nervous System Naturally
By Dr. Sura Corrigan, Far Hills Family Chiropractic – Far Hills, NJ
Colic is one of the most challenging experiences for new parents. The prolonged crying, the difficulty settling, and the emotional strain it brings can leave families exhausted and searching for answers. Although colic is common, it’s often misunderstood. Many parents are told to “wait it out,” but there are meaningful, gentle ways to support a baby whose system is overwhelmed.
This guide offers a deeper look at why colic happens, the connection between the nervous system and digestion, and natural strategies that can help bring more ease to your baby’s body.
What Exactly Is Colic?
Colic is a pattern of intense, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy baby. These babies may be fed, changed, warm, and snuggled — yet they still cry in a way that feels different and harder to soothe. Colic is not a diagnosis — it’s a pattern of crying. Most pediatric guidelines describe colic using the “Rule of 3”:
Crying for 3 hours a day
3 days a week
For 3 weeks or more
But I always encourage parents to trust their intuition. If the crying feels excessive or you feel overwhelmed trying to settle your baby, it’s valid to explore support.
But it’s not just about length of crying — it’s the quality of crying. Babies with colic often show signs such as:
Intense, high-pitched crying
Clenched fists
Arching
Difficulty settling
Red or flushed face
Episodes that peak in late afternoon/evening
Colic usually reflects interference in the baby’s nervous system caused by some type of stress that is currently or has effected the baby.
What Causes Colic? Understanding the Whole Picture
There isn’t one single cause. Instead, colic is usually a combination of factors, including:
An immature digestive system
Gas or intestinal tension
Sensitivity to certain foods (formula or something in breastmilk)
Imbalances in the gut microbiome
Overstimulation
Stress in the baby’s environment
Strain or tension from pregnancy or birth
Injury from toxins
Many babies simply need more time to integrate, adjust, and regulate in the world outside the womb.
The Stress–Gut Connection: Why the Nervous System Matters
During the first months of life, babies are learning how to transition between states (sleep, wakefulness, feeding, processing stimulation). Their nervous systems can become easily overwhelmed.
When the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) system becomes dominant:
Crying increases
Digestion becomes less efficient
Gas or tension may build
Soothing becomes harder
This is why colic often comes in “waves” — it’s tied to nervous system fluctuations. Your baby’s digestive system and nervous system communicate constantly. When a baby is stressed, overstimulated, or sensing stress from a parent, the gut can tighten, spasm, or slow — all of which contribute to discomfort and crying. This is why holistic colic support isn’t just about digestion. It’s also about nervous system regulation and finding the root cause so the baby can heal and experience ease.
How Probiotics Can Support a Baby with Colic
The infant microbiome plays a big role in digestion and comfort. The right baby-specific probiotic strains can support:
Motility
Gas and bloating
Gut balance
Overall digestive ease
If you’re breastfeeding, your microbiome can also influence baby’s digestion. I can guide you toward safe, gentle probiotic options for both of you.
Why Supporting You Helps Your Baby Settle
I remind every mother of this: your nervous system anchors your baby’s nervous system.
When you intentionally soften your stress response, your baby often settles more easily too. Even small practices help:
Slow, deep breathing
A few minutes of fresh air
Music or calming sounds
Asking a partner or friend to hold the baby while you regroup
Staying hydrated and nourished
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury — it’s part of your baby’s healing process.
Elimination Diets for Breastfeeding Parents
Sometimes digestive discomfort stems from sensitivities in a parent’s diet. The most common potential triggers include:
Dairy
Soy
Gluten
Eggs
An elimination diet can feel like a big step, but it can provide clarity and sometimes meaningful relief.
Herbal Allies for Digestive Comfort
Gentle herbs can be supportive when used safely:
Chamomile — calming for digestion and the nervous system
Fennel — beautiful for gas and tummy tension
Ginger — warming and supportive for motility
These can be taken by the breastfeeding parent or used in infant-appropriate preparations such as an organic gripe water.
Physical Techniques That Help Soothe Colic
Simple, hands-on techniques can make a noticeable difference for babies with tension or gas:
Belly massage
Bicycle legs
Upright carrying
Skin-to-skin contact
Warm baths
Gentle rocking or white noise
These movements help babies release tension and feel safe, which supports better digestion.
Why Getting Outside Helps So Much
Many babies settle beautifully outdoors. Fresh air, natural light, and rhythmic movement have a regulating effect on the nervous system (for both of you!).
A short walk can be one of the most effective tools for easing colic episodes.
How Chiropractic Supports Babies with Colic and Digestive Discomfort
This is one of the most common reasons parents bring their babies to see me.
Birth — even a gentle birth — can create subtle tension patterns in a baby’s spine, cranial bones, and nervous system. Because babies are still developing, these patterns can influence:
Digestion
Comfort
Feeding
Gas and bloating
Ability to settle
Sleep
My pediatric chiropractic approach uses extremely gentle, specific touch to support:
Nervous system regulation
Parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) balance
Comfort in the body
Relaxation
Improved ability to settle and feed
Parents often notice their babies become softer, calmer, easier to soothe, and more comfortable in their bodies.
Chiropractic doesn’t “treat colic,” but it supports the systems that influence digestion, comfort, and regulation.
You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Navigate This Without Support
If your baby is struggling with colic, excessive crying, or difficulty settling, I am here to support you with gentle, holistic care.
My practice serves families throughout Far Hills, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, and the surrounding Somerset County area.
You are doing an incredible job.
Your baby is doing their best.
And you both deserve ease, comfort, and support.
If you’d like to schedule a visit or ask a question, you can reach me here sura@drsura.com or use the book online link below.
