For many parents, a baby’s cries are a normal part of life. But when those cries become relentless, often lasting hours without a clear reason, it can feel overwhelming. Colic—a term every new parent dreads—is one of the most common yet perplexing conditions in infants. This article dives into what colic is, why it happens, and how osteopathy offers a gentle, effective approach to relief.


What is Colic?


Colic is typically defined as episodes of excessive, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. It often peaks around 6 weeks of age and generally improves by 3-4 months. While it’s not dangerous, it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. 


Imagine you’re trying to fix a puzzle, but one piece doesn’t seem to fit. This frustration is somewhat how a baby with colic might feel. They’re not sick, yet something feels “off”, whether it’s discomfort in their tummy, overstimulation, or tension in their little bodies. 


Why Does Colic Happen?


While there is not definitive cause, researchers believe colic may stem from several factors:


  • Digestive Immaturity: Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, which may cause discomfort or bloating as they adjust to the outside world. 
  • Feeding Issues: Swallowing air during feeding or sensitivity to milk proteins can lead to gas and cramping. 
  • Nervous System Sensitivity: Newborns have heightened sensitivity to stimuli, and colic episodes may reflect difficulties with overstimulation and self-soothing. 
  • Birth Trauma: The birthing process, even in straightforward deliveries, can create tension or misalignment in a baby’s body - particularly the head, neck, and diaphragm. 


Signs Your Baby Might Have Colic


  • Long bouts of crying (often during similar timeframes day to day).
  • Clenched fists, stiffened arms and legs, or arched backs while crying.
  • Seeming uncomfortable after feeds or struggling to pass gas.


Caring for a Baby with Colic 


When your baby cries inconsolably, it’s natural to feel helpless. Here are some common strategies to help navigate those difficult moments: 


  • Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly can mimic feelings of the womb, providing comfort for your baby.
  • White Noise: Gentle sounds or soft music can help calm overstimulated nerves. 
  • Burping: Helping your baby release trapped air after feeds can help reduce gas buildup. 
  • Movement: Rocking, baby swings, or a gentle car ride can often soothe colicky episodes.
  • Diet Adjustments: For breastfeeding moms, reducing dairy, caffeine, onions, chocolate, cruciferous vegetables, or spicy foods may help. Formula-fed babies might benefit from hypoallergenic options. 


How Can Osteopathy Help?


Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, focusing on restoring balance in the tissues and easing tensions placed on it. Using subtle, non-invasive techniques, osteopathy can help address physical factors physical factors contributing to colic. Here’s how osteopathy can make a difference: 


  • Releasing Birth Strain: Babies often experience pressure during delivery, especially around the head and neck. This tension can affect the vagus nerve - our largest cranial nerve with many responsibilities including control of various organ systems such as digestion and regulation of inflammation. Osteopathy works to release these strains and tension, promoting better function and increasing comfort for the baby. 
  • Supporting Digestion: Techniques to release tension in the baby’s abdomen and diaphragm can ease gas and improve digestion, relieving discomfort. 
  • Calming the Nervous System: By working on the baby’s cranium and spine, osteopathy may help reduce overstimulation of neurological structures and promote relaxation. 


What to Expect During an Osteopathic Session 


Your baby will remain fully clothed and will lie on a padded table or stay cradled in your arms. Assessment and treatment will involve gentle movement and light pressure, including gentle stretch and compression to help identify and release areas of tension. Babies often relax during the session - some even fall asleep!

Andrew has training in Osteopathy, Massage Therapy, and has completed an undergrad in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto. While at UofT, he spent time as both a varsity football athlete and a student athletic therapist working with the men’s varsity basketball and volleyball teams. It is there that Andrew developed a passion for sport medicine, physical therapy, and the human body as a whole.


As a former athlete, Andrew has a special appreciation for the important role movement plays in allowing us to be at our daily best. He believes in a holistic approach to treatment focused on restoring functional movement throughout the body. He is experienced in working with all ages and individuals from all walks of life to help restore balance to their bodies and achieve their goals.


Andrew specializes in acute and chronic conditions and traumas, with a special interest in the head and neck. Andrew has also completed additional training for treatment in post-concussion syndrome.


As part of Andrew’s osteopathic training, Andrew has completed a research thesis centred on “The Effect of Osteopathic Treatment of the Cranio-Facial Region on Nasal Patency” focused on the interrelationship of nasal respiration and osteopathic cranial treatment. Through this work, Andrew has experience training, educating, and treating individuals suffering breathing difficulties and breathing pattern disorders of all origins.