Children's Health

Colic & Infant Gas

Calm the crying-arching-drawing-up-of-knees pattern of infant colic by easing trapped wind, soothing the gut, and supporting the parent's nervous system too.

Prevention

Key nutrients: For the nursing parent: balanced diet, probiotics, omega-3; consider eliminating dairy/soy trial if persistent.

Eat regularly: Oily fish, leafy greens, eggs, fermented foods, oats, almonds, plenty of water (for the nursing parent).

Carry, sway, and use white noise — colic is usually a developmental phase.

Fennel seed tea (for nursing parent)

HerbModerate evidence

1 tsp crushed fennel seed steeped 10 minutes; the parent drinks 2–3 cups daily. Compounds pass into breastmilk and ease infant gas. Can also give baby ½–1 tsp of the cool tea directly (over 1 month).

Pairs well with: Chamomile, anise

Chamomile tea

HerbModerate evidence

Weak warm infusion (1 tsp/day) given by spoon or in a bottle for babies over 1 month — calming and antispasmodic.

Tummy massage with warm oil

OtherStrong evidence

Warm a little olive or coconut oil and stroke clockwise around baby's belly button, then 'I-L-U' strokes down the abdomen. Releases trapped wind.

Probiotic drops (L. reuteri DSM 17938)

OtherStrong evidence

5 drops/day shown in trials to reduce crying time in breastfed colicky infants within 1–2 weeks.

Warm bath + skin-to-skin

OtherStrong evidence

Warm bath with parent followed by skin-to-skin contact regulates baby's nervous system and eases the colic 'witching hour'.

Gripe water (alcohol-free)

HerbTraditional use

Traditional fennel + ginger + chamomile blend — ½ tsp before or after feeds. Choose an alcohol- and sugar-free version.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.