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When Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying:

A Gentle Guide for Parents Navigating Colic

Baby refusing comfort at 1 Am photo

It’s 1:43 a.m.

You’ve changed the diaper.
 Fed them.
 Burped them.
 Rocked them.
 Walked the hallway so many times you’re considering installing a treadmill.

And still… they cry.

Not a little whimper.
 Not a tired fuss.
 But that deep, red-faced, body-stiff, can’t-catch-their-breath cry that makes your heart feel like it’s cracking open.

If this is you — first, take a breath.
 You are not doing anything wrong.
 And you are not alone.

What Is Colic, Really?

New Baby happy after chiropractic care photo

Colic is typically defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks — in an otherwise healthy baby. (you can read a clinical definition here →)

But if you’re living it, statistics don’t matter.

What matters is this:
 Your baby seems uncomfortable.

Even when fed and clean, they arch their back or pull their legs in.
 Even when you’re doing everything “right,” nothing seems to soothe them.

Dr. Jen often tells parents:

“Colic doesn’t mean something is wrong. It reflects that your baby is having a tough time, and it points us toward gentle ways to support them.”

And that subtle shift matters.
 Because it means there may be a reason.
And there are things we can explore.

The Truth Most Parents Don’t Hear

Mom comforting an infant photo

Babies have been through a lot.

Even beautiful, uncomplicated births can involve:
 Long labor
 Fast labor
 Assisted delivery
 Cesarean birth
 Time in certain positions
 Tension from in-utero positioning

Dr. Sharon likes to gently remind parents:
 “Birth is a big event for a tiny body.”

Sometimes babies may hold stress or tension in their bodies—especially after birth—and that can show up in different ways, like:

Feeding challenges
 Latching difficulties
 Digestive discomfort
 Trouble releasing gas
 Discomfort when lying flat
 Difficulty settling or self-soothing

And for babies, discomfort often comes out as crying.

A Story We See Often

Baby feet in parent hands

A new parent comes in — exhausted, hair in a messy bun, eyes tired but fiercely loving.

They say:
 “He just seems uncomfortable all the time. I feel like I’m missing something.”

Sometimes they’ve already tried:
 Eliminating dairy
 Switching formulas
 Gripe water
 Probiotics
 Gas drops
 Bicycle legs 400 times a day

Sometimes they whisper:
 “It doesn’t feel right, and I can’t figure out why.”

That instinct matters—it’s one of your most important guides.

Many babies who struggle with colic-like symptoms may also show patterns that can suggest their body is holding stress or tension, such as:

Preferring to turn their head one way
Difficulty latching on one side
Clicking during feeding
Arching during burping
Tight little fists that rarely relax

When we gently assess them, we often notice areas where their body seems to be holding onto tension or stress.

And here’s the part that surprises most parents:
 Infant chiropractic adjustments are incredibly gentle.

We’re not “cracking” babies.
 We use about the pressure you would use to test a ripe tomato.

The goal is not to “fix” your baby, but to support their nervous system so they can settle and regulate more easily.

How Nervous System Regulation Affects Your Baby

Baby after bath wrapped in a soft cloth with a relaxed expression

Your baby’s nervous system plays a central role in how they feel, feed, and settle.

When a baby’s nervous system is under stress or holding tension, it can affect:

Comfort while lying down
Feeding and latching
Digestion and gas release
Ability to self-soothe and settle
Sleep patterns

As babies begin to relax and regulate more easily, families often notice:

Less arching
Easier burping
More relaxed feeding
Longer stretches of sleep
A softer belly
A calmer baby

Not overnight miracles.
 But gradual shifts in nervous system regulation give parents and babies hope again.

Things You Can Try at Home Tonight

Comforting Your New Baby with Chiropractic Help

While you’re navigating this season, here are gentle things that may help:

  1. Take an Epsom Salt Bath
     Start with a bath at a comfortable temperature for you. Once it’s slightly cooler—safe for your baby—have your partner bring your little one in to finish the bath with you. This can create a calming, soothing experience for both of you.
  2. Offer a Calm Presence with Skin-to-Skin
     Babies pick up on your energy. Hold your baby close, chest-to-chest, for skin-to-skin contact. Slow breathing, soft voices, and gentle touch can help your baby feel safe, relaxed, and comforted.
  3. Quiet, Dim Environment
     Lower lights and reduce noise during fussy periods. Calm surroundings support your baby’s nervous system and can make soothing easier.
  4.  Remember Your Own Comfort

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Keep a comfortable space for yourself, take breaks when possible, and accept help from your partner or support network.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colic

1. How do I know if my baby has colic or is just going through a phase?

Crying is a normal part of infancy, but colic is typically more intense, longer-lasting, and harder to soothe. If your baby seems consistently uncomfortable—especially with patterns like arching, pulling their legs in, or difficulty settling—it may be worth exploring what their body is experiencing, rather than assuming it’s “just a phase.”

2. Could my baby’s birth experience be affecting how they feel now?

Yes, it can. Birth—whether long, fast, assisted, or even seemingly uncomplicated—is a significant physical event for a baby. Sometimes babies hold onto tension or stress from that experience, which can show up in feeding challenges, digestion issues, or difficulty calming down.

3. What are signs that my baby might be uncomfortable in their body?

Some babies show subtle patterns like preferring to turn their head one way, struggling to latch on one side, arching during feeds, or having tight fists and a hard time relaxing. These signs don’t mean something is wrong—they simply help us understand how your baby may be adapting and where they might need support.

4. Can chiropractic care really help with colic, and is it gentle enough for babies?

Infant chiropractic care is extremely gentle and specific. There’s no forceful movement or “cracking.” The goal is to support your baby’s nervous system so they can settle, digest, and regulate more easily. Many parents notice gradual improvements in comfort, feeding, and sleep as their baby begins to relax.

5. What if I feel like I’ve tried everything and nothing is working?

That feeling is more common than you think—and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Colic can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes it just means your baby needs a different kind of support. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help and explore new approaches.

What We Want You to Know

Newborn baby photo

At Twin Pine, we believe parents deserve answers — not dismissal.
 We believe babies deserve to be comfortable.
 And we believe education matters just as much as hands-on care.

If you’re reading this in the middle of the night:
 You are a good parent.
 Your baby is not “broken.”
 And sometimes, with the right support, small shifts can make a big difference.

Colic isn’t something you just endure.
 With gentle guidance and support, you and your baby can find more comfort together.

Call us and let’s support your baby together.

You don’t have to figure this out alone

Contact Us
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