Natural remedies for infant colic

IMPORTANT: Infant colic is a common physiological stage, but prolonged crying, marked restlessness, refusal to feed, repeated vomiting, fever, stools with blood or mucus, or weight loss must be evaluated promptly by a pediatrician. The remedies described here are gentle supports, used for generations by mothers and grandmothers, but they do not replace medical advice. Never give teas or supplements to infants without consulting the pediatrician first, especially in the first three months of life.

“He’s been crying for three hours, I don’t know what to do anymore.” I remember my mother in law’s phone call during the first week after we came home from the hospital with our little girl. She cried from 6 in the evening until almost midnight, pulled her legs to her chest, tensed her whole body, settled for a few minutes, then started again. Her tummy was hard like a little drum. My mother in law showed up with a bag of fennel seeds from the farmers market, brewed a weak tea, put a few drops on the baby’s tongue, and taught us to hold her over my forearm and massage her belly gently in a clockwise direction. The following evening, the crying lasted one hour. In ten days, the colics were already a memory.

Infant colic affects about one in five healthy babies, usually starting in the second or third week of life, peaking around six weeks, and spontaneously resolving around three or four months of age. The classic definition (the rule of threes) goes: crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby. Causes are not fully understood, but a combination of factors is suspected: an immature digestive system, fermentation, gas accumulation, early gut dysbiosis, hypersensitivity to stimuli (light, sound, mother’s fatigue), and sometimes cow’s milk protein allergy, transmitted through breast milk or present in formula.

For parents, the colic period is one of the most exhausting phases of life. The good news: it passes. Even better news: there are gentle, traditional remedies, validated by modern research, that can significantly reduce the duration and intensity of crying episodes.

Table of contents

• Why colics happen: mechanisms and triggers
• Remedy 1: fennel tea, the friend of generations of mothers
• Remedy 2: cumin and anise
• Remedy 3: chamomile, the plant of childhood
• Remedy 4: tummy massage and calming positions
• Remedy 5: warm compress and soothing bath
• The role of breastfeeding and mother’s diet
• Practical tips for exhausted parents
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions

Why colics happen: mechanisms and triggers

Colic is not a disease, but a syndrome. The infant’s digestive system is immature: gut flora is still developing, digestive enzymes are limited, intestinal motility is irregular. Milk (breast or formula) reaches the intestine and begins fermenting, producing gas. Gas distends the intestinal walls, painful contractions occur, the baby cries, swallows more air, and the cycle continues.

Factors that can worsen colic

• Feeding the baby too quickly, with air swallowing
• Horizontal position during feeding, without lifting the head
• Lack of burping after meals
• Mother’s diet rich in gas-producing foods (cabbage, broccoli, beans, raw onion, lots of garlic, caffeine, chocolate)
• Secondary lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergy
• Maternal stress, fatigue, anxiety (the baby senses tension)
• Over-stimulation in the evening (strong lights, TV, many visitors)
• Frequent switching of formula in non-breastfed infants

When colic is not just colic

There are warning signs that should immediately prompt a doctor visit:

• Fever over 37.8 degrees Celsius
• Projectile, repeated vomiting
• Blood or significant mucus in stools
• Weight loss or lack of weight gain
• Hard, shiny belly all the time, not just during the crying episode
• Weak cry, moaning, excessive sleepiness
• Complete refusal of feeds
• Widespread skin rash associated with digestive symptoms

These may indicate infections, severe gastroesophageal reflux, intussusception, or severe allergies, and require medical investigation.

Remedy 1: fennel tea, the friend of generations of mothers

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is probably the most used plant for infant colic in the Mediterranean and Balkan regions. Our grandmothers called it “sweet anise” and always kept a small bag of seeds in the pantry. Modern research has confirmed its effectiveness: the volatile oils in fennel (anethole, fenchone, estragole) have an antispasmodic effect on smooth intestinal muscle, reduce fermentation, and help gas expulsion.

How to prepare fennel tea

• Ingredients: Half a teaspoon of fresh fennel seeds, lightly crushed in a mortar, 200 ml boiling water
• Preparation: Place seeds in a cup, pour hot water, cover with a saucer, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth. The tea should be lightly colored, almost clear.
• For infants over 4 weeks: 5-10 ml (one teaspoon) given by spoon or pipette, 2-3 times a day between meals. Never in a bottle replacing milk.
• For breastfed infants: The mother can drink 2 cups of tea a day, since volatile oils pass partly into breast milk.

Caution: For babies under one month, always check with the pediatrician first. Some studies recommend caution with estragole in large quantities, which is why the tea is made weak and not given daily for months.

Commercial option: Infant teas from pharmacies (Plantex, Bebivita, Hipp) are soluble fennel granules, pre-dosed for babies. They are a safe and convenient alternative.

Remedy 2: cumin and anise

Cumin (Carum carvi) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) are relatives of fennel and have similar properties. In Romanian tradition, grandmothers added a teaspoon of cumin to bread, cheese, and soups, partly to prevent bloating. For infants, a weak cumin or anise tea can replace or alternate with fennel.

Cumin tea

• Preparation: Half a teaspoon of crushed cumin seeds, 250 ml boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain.
• For breastfeeding mother: 2 cups a day; cumin also stimulates lactation.
• For babies over 4 weeks: 5 ml two or three times a day, by spoon.

Anise tea

Anise has a pleasant sweet, licorice-like taste that babies enjoy. Prepare the same way, but use half a teaspoon per 250 ml water and steep for 7-8 minutes. Do not give daily for more than 2 consecutive weeks.

The classic “three seeds” blend

Grandmothers often made an equal blend of fennel, cumin, and anise. Half a teaspoon of the blend to 200 ml water. Considered a universal remedy for bloating at any age.

Remedy 3: chamomile, the plant of childhood

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is perhaps the best known medicinal plant for children. It is antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, mildly sedative and soothing. For colic with fussiness, crying, and difficulty falling asleep, chamomile is an excellent choice.

How to use it

• Weak tea for babies over 4 weeks: Half a teaspoon of dried flowers in 250 ml boiling water, steep 5-7 minutes (no longer, it becomes bitter), strain very well. 5-10 ml two or three times a day.
• For breastfeeding mother: 1-2 cups of tea a day, relaxes the mother (who thus passes a calm state to the baby).
• In the bath: A liter of concentrated infusion (2 tablespoons of flowers per liter of water) added to bath water. Calms, helps sleep, soothes sensitive skin.

Caution: Rare cases of chamomile allergy exist, mostly in children allergic to ragweed pollen. If rashes appear, discontinue.

Remedy 4: tummy massage and calming positions

Massage is perhaps the most effective “remedy” for colic. It’s free, available, creates a bond between parent and child, and releases endorphins in both mother and baby.

Classic colic massage

• Timing: Between meals, not right after breastfeeding or bottle (wait at least 30 minutes)
• Setting: Warm room (22-24 degrees), dim light, quiet music or silence
• Oil: Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or a special baby oil, warmed in the mother’s hands
• Technique: With the baby on his back, place warm palms on the belly. Make circular motions, clockwise (the direction of bowel movement), light, without pressure. Duration: 5-10 minutes.

The “I Love You” stroke

A technique popular in maternity wards:

• Trace the letter “I” on the left side of the abdomen, top to bottom (descending colon)
• Trace a reversed “L”: from upper right to upper left, then down the left side (transverse and descending colon)
• Trace a reversed “U”: from lower right up, across, and down the left (the full colon path)

Repeat 3-5 times.

“Bicycle legs”

With baby on back, gently grasp the feet and pedal slowly, alternating legs. Helps release gas. You can also bring both knees to the chest for 10 seconds, then release, 5-10 times.

Calming positions

• Airplane hold: Baby lies face down on your forearm, head near your elbow, legs dangling. Gentle belly pressure helps gas release.
• Marsupial hold: Baby upright on your chest, head under your chin. The heartbeat sound soothes.
• Kangaroo skin-to-skin: Baby in just a diaper, on parent’s bare chest, covered with a blanket. Regulates temperature, breathing, heart rate.

Remedy 5: warm compress and soothing bath

Gentle warmth relaxes tense abdominal muscles. It is one of the oldest and safest remedies.

Warm compress on the belly

• Warm a cotton cloth on a radiator or with a hot water bottle (always test the temperature on your inner wrist)
• Apply the warm (not hot) cloth to the baby’s belly for 5-10 minutes
• You can sprinkle the cloth with a bit of chamomile or cumin infusion for a double effect

Cherry pit pouch

A grandmother’s invention from Germany, also adopted here: a cotton pouch filled with dried cherry pits, warmed in the oven at 70 degrees for 10 minutes. It retains heat for 30-40 minutes, conforms to the body, and does not burn. Placed over the belly, between baby and parent.

Warm bath at 37 degrees

• Water at 37 degrees (body temperature), tested with a thermometer or elbow
• Duration: 10 minutes
• You can add chamomile or lavender infusion (very small amount: 5 drops of essential oil diluted in a tablespoon of carrier oil, then added to the water)
• Mother or father can get into the tub with the baby; skin-to-skin amplifies the calming effect
• After the bath, a short massage with warm oil, then feeding or sleep

The role of breastfeeding and mother’s diet

If you breastfeed, what you eat can influence colics. There is no universal diet, but certain foods are known to produce more gas or to transmit allergens.

Foods that may worsen colic (if consumed in excess by mother)

• Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
• Dry beans, lentils, chickpeas in large amounts
• Raw onion and garlic
• Caffeine (coffee, black tea, chocolate, energy drinks)
• Dairy in large amounts (cow’s milk is the most common allergen)
• Very spicy, hot dishes
• Refined sugar, commercial sweets
• Carbonated beverages

What helps

• Good hydration (2-2.5 liters of water a day)
• Teas of fennel, cumin, chamomile (2-3 cups a day)
• Oatmeal for breakfast
• Warm soups, sour broths (aid digestion)
• Probiotic yogurt, kefir (support mother’s and indirectly baby’s gut)
• Rice, potatoes, boiled carrots, bananas (soothing foods)

Elimination test

If you suspect cow’s milk protein allergy, try eliminating all dairy (including cheese, butter, cream, products containing milk) for 2-3 weeks. If colics noticeably decrease, this is a useful clue, but reintroduction and confirmation should be supervised by the pediatrician.

Proper breastfeeding

• Make sure the baby latches correctly (the areola in the mouth, not just the nipple)
• After each feed, hold the baby upright for 10-15 minutes and encourage burping by patting the back gently
• If you have oversupply with fast flow, let the baby finish one breast before switching (the hindmilk is fattier and more satisfying)
• Do not switch breasts too early, so the baby gets the “thick” hindmilk

Practical tips

• Keep a crying diary (time, duration, mother’s diet, baby’s feeds, what helped). In 2 weeks you will see patterns.
• Never give honey to babies under one year, risk of infant botulism.
• Avoid teas with sugar or honey. Tea is given unsweetened.
• Do not use undiluted essential oils on the baby’s skin.
• If exhausted, place the baby safely in the crib for 10 minutes and breathe deeply in another room. A calm parent is the best remedy.
• White noise (vacuum, hairdryer, white noise apps) soothes many babies because it mimics intrauterine sounds.
• Rocking, baby swings, stroller walks on quiet streets are old and effective methods.
• Slow classical music, especially Mozart or Bach, has a demonstrated calming effect.
• Do not overfeed: sometimes crying is not hunger but bloating.
• Lactobacillus reuteri (as infant drops from the pharmacy) has solid studies for reducing colic, administered on pediatrician’s recommendation.

Conclusion

Infant colic is a test of fire for every new parent. Many sleepless nights, fears, guilt (“am I doing something wrong?”), fatigue. The good news: it passes, usually around 3-4 months, and there are gentle, traditional remedies that help. Weak fennel tea, warm-oil tummy massage, warm compresses, correct positions, attentive maternal diet, are simple but effective tools passed from generation to generation. My grandmother used to say “a baby cries with his whole body, because he has no other words yet.” And our patience, warmth, and gentleness are his answers.

Keep your sense of humor and your patience. Colics do not last forever, and the smile that will come is worth every night.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. From what age can I give fennel tea to my baby?

Most pediatricians recommend introducing baby teas only after 4 weeks of age, and some prefer waiting until 8-12 weeks. For exclusively breastfed babies, many colics can be improved just through maternal diet, without extra teas. Always discuss with the pediatrician first.

2. How long does infant colic last?

Typically, colic starts in week 2, peaks around 6 weeks, and resolves gradually by 3-4 months. In some babies it may persist up to 5 months, but strong crying beyond that age should prompt an investigation for another cause (reflux, allergies, digestive issues).

3. Can I give probiotics to my baby for colic?

Good studies exist for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in breastfed infants with colic. It is sold as drops in pharmacies. For formula-fed babies the evidence is less clear. Consult the pediatrician for the right product and dose.

4. Does simethicone (Espumisan, Infacol) help with colic?

Simethicone breaks gas bubbles in the intestine, is safe (not absorbed), and sometimes eases symptoms. However, it does not address the cause. Many studies show modest effects, similar to placebo, but for some families it makes a difference.

5. When should I be worried and go to the emergency room?

Go to the ER or call the doctor if: baby has fever over 38 degrees (under 3 months, even 37.8), projectile vomiting, bloody stools, seems lethargic (hard to wake), refuses multiple consecutive feeds, has a hard and bloated belly all the time, cries “differently” than usual (weak, moaning), has pale, mottled, or bluish skin.

6. Can I use lavender or chamomile essential oil directly on the baby’s belly?

No. Undiluted essential oils are strong and can irritate sensitive skin or be absorbed in undesired amounts. If you want to use aromatherapy, dilute one drop in a tablespoon of carrier oil (almond, coconut) for massage. Avoid essential oils in babies under 3 months.

7. Does feeding on demand worsen colic?

No, on the contrary, feeding on demand is recommended. But it is important to recognize true hunger cues and not confuse colic crying with hunger crying (which would mean overfeeding). If the baby recently ate and cries, try massage, warm compress, and airplane position first rather than offering the breast immediately.