Cracking the Code on Colic in Babies: Exploring the Causes and Natural Solutions.

Understanding Colic in Babies

If your baby cries for hours, arches their little body, struggles to settle, and seems constantly uncomfortable — you’re not alone. Colic affects an estimated 1 in 4 babies, often leaving parents feeling helpless and sleep-deprived. While many families are told “don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it,” that advice rarely brings comfort when you’re in the thick of it at 2 a.m.

At House of Chiropractic, we like to take a deeper look into what may be contributing to colic and how we can best support both baby and parents through this challenging time.

Beyond “They’ll Grow Out of It”

The exact cause of colic is still debated. However, research and clinical observation point toward several factors that may contribute — including digestion, feeding challenges, and the way a baby’s nervous system regulates stress and comfort.

When a baby’s nervous system is tense or overstimulated, it can affect everything from sleep and settling to feeding and digestion. Understanding how these systems interact gives us valuable clues about what may be driving your baby’s discomfort.

The Role of Birth and Early Stress

Many babies experience significant stress during pregnancy or birth. Long labours, posterior positions, inductions, or assisted deliveries can all be taxing experiences for both mum and baby.This early stress can influence how the nervous system adapts and develops, particularly in areas that control swallowing, digestion, and sleep rhythms.

We often use gentle neurological scans in our practice to help map how well a baby’s nervous system is functioning. These scans are non-invasive and safe for infants, giving us valuable insight into how their body may be processing and adapting to early stress.

Understanding the Vagus Nerve Connection

The Vagus Nerve plays a key role in helping the body “rest, relax, and digest.”When the Vagus Nerve is under pressure or not functioning optimally, it can affect digestion and the ability to settle. Supporting the healthy function of this nerve can help babies develop more balanced responses to their environment, which may help improve comfort, feeding, and sleep routines over time.

Natural Ways to Support a Colicky Baby

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help calm a colicky baby. Here are a few natural, gentle options to try:

• Tummy time and light movement to support digestion.

• Warm baths and baby massage to relax tight muscles.

• Feeding position adjustments to reduce air swallowing.

• Skin-to-skin contact and rhythmic rocking to calm the nervous system.

• Neurological assessments to better understand how your baby’s body is adapting and where additional support may be beneficial.

Every baby is unique, and what helps one may not help another — but exploring these gentle, supportive options can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting Parents, Too

Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting and emotional. It’s important for parents to have a strong support network and professionals who take the time to listen and explore all possible contributing factors — not just symptom management.

At House of Chiropractic, we use non-invasive scanning technology to understand how a baby’s nervous system is functioning and provide education around ways to support their natural development. Our focus is always on empowering parents with information, guidance, and options that align with their values.

The Takeaway

Colic isn’t just “something you have to wait out.” By looking at how your baby’s nervous system, digestion, and environment interact, we can often uncover helpful insights that guide more natural approaches to care.

If you’d like to learn more about our neurological INSiGHT scans or explore how to support your baby’s development naturally, you can reach out to our team for more information.