How Baby Massage Can Help Relieve Colic - A Gentle Solution For You And Your Baby

Written By Sarah Antoniou

If you’ve ever found yourself pacing the living room floor at 6pm cuddling a crying baby that just won’t settle, you’re not alone. Many parents experience the exhausting challenges that come with colic - long bouts of crying, discomfort after feeds and a sense of helplessness when nothing seems to work.

As a mum myself and someone who’s spent years supporting babies and young children, I know how upsetting it can be to see your little one in distress. That’s why I’m so passionate about baby massage - it’s a beautiful, gentle tool that can make a real difference for colicky babies and their tired parents too!

💛 What is colic?

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for long periods of time, often in the late afternoon or evening, without a clear reason. It usually begins at a few weeks old and can last until around 3 to 4 months.

While we don’t always know the exact cause, it’s often linked to:

  • An immature digestive system

  • Trapped wind

  • Sensitivity to feeding or overstimulation

Whatever the cause, the result can be the same - a very unsettled baby and an exhausted family.

✨ How baby massage helps ease colic

Baby massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to support your baby’s physical and emotional wellbeing. When it comes to colic, there are several ways massage can really help:

1. Eases trapped wind and bloating

Soothing tummy strokes help your baby pass wind and relieve pressure in their little tummy. This can ease bloating and help settle them more quickly after feeds.

2. Stimulates digestion

Massaging the abdomen in a gentle, clockwise direction (the same way food moves through the gut) encourages natural digestion and reduces the build-up of gas.

3. Promotes relaxation and better sleep

Baby massage helps trigger the release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, for both you and your baby. It calms the nervous system and can lead to longer, more restful sleep (which is often disrupted when colic strikes).

4. Helps you feel more confident

One of the most common things I hear from parents is how helpless they feel when their baby is crying and nothing seems to help. Learning how to use massage gives you a gentle, practical way to support your baby and feel more in tune with their needs.

🖐️ Learn baby massage in a safe, supportive space

In my baby massage classes, I guide you step-by-step through gentle routines designed to ease colic, support digestion, and help you bond deeply with your baby.

You’ll learn:

  • When and how to massage your baby safely

  • Simple, effective tummy techniques for colic relief

  • How to read your baby’s cues and work at their pace

  • Calming strokes you can use during fussy times or before bed

Each session is held in my warm, welcoming home space, and there’s always time for questions, connection, and a cuppa with other parents.

🌼 Book your place on the next course

If you’d love to learn baby massage and find natural ways to soothe your little one, my next 6-week course is now open for booking.

👉 Click here to see upcoming dates and book your place:

www.babybondingwithsarah.com/courses-and-classes

You don’t have to go through colic alone. With gentle touch and the right support, things can get easier.

With love and hugs,

Sarah

Baby Massage Instructor | Mum | Passionate about helping babies thrive

Sarah Antoniou