7 Miracle Colic Holds That Will Stop The Crying Instantly

First, Let’s Understand Colic: The ‘Rule of Threes’ and What It’s Not

Before we dive into the holds, let’s quickly demystify what we’re dealing with. The term ‘colic’ gets thrown around a lot, but in the medical world, it has a specific definition. We often use the ‘Rule of Threes’ to identify it:

• Crying for more than 3 hours a day.
• Occurring on more than 3 days a week.
• Lasting for more than 3 weeks.

This crying is often intense, high-pitched, and seems to come out of nowhere. Your baby might clench their fists, arch their back, and be incredibly difficult to soothe. It typically starts around 2-3 weeks of age and, thankfully, resolves for most babies by 3-4 months.

It’s crucial to understand what colic is not. It’s not a reflection of your parenting. It’s not because your baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, or is too hot or cold (though you should always check these things first!). The exact cause is still a bit of a mystery, but leading theories point to an immature digestive system (hello, gas pains!) and an underdeveloped nervous system that gets easily overstimulated.

A Gentle Reminder: Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning your pediatrician will first rule out any other medical reasons for the crying. It’s a phase, not a permanent condition. You and your baby will get through this.

Your Crying-to-Calm Toolkit: 7 Miracle Colic Holds

Alright, let’s get to the practical magic. Each of these holds is designed to address the potential causes of colicky discomfort—namely gas pressure and overstimulation. As you try them, pay close attention to your baby’s cues. Some babies prefer one hold over another, and their preference might even change from day to day. The key is gentle, confident handling.

Hold #1: The Colic Carry (or Tummy Roll)

This is the classic, go-to hold for many nurses. It places gentle, calming pressure directly on your baby’s abdomen, helping to relieve gas bubbles.

1. Position your baby face-down, with their tummy resting along your forearm. Their head should be nestled in the crook of your elbow, and their legs straddling your hand.
2. Make sure their head is turned to the side so their airway is clear.
3. Use your other hand to gently rub or pat their back.
4. You can add a gentle, rhythmic swaying motion by rocking your arm or walking slowly around the room.

Safety Tip: Always maintain a secure grip and ensure your baby’s head and neck are well-supported. Their head should be slightly higher than their bottom.

Hold #2: The Football Hold

Similar to the Colic Carry, this hold offers great tummy pressure but in a slightly different configuration that some babies prefer.

1. Tuck your baby under your arm on the same side, like you’re carrying a football.
2. Their head should be in your hand, with your palm supporting their cheek and jaw (not their throat).
3. Their body rests along your arm, with their legs tucked against your elbow.
4. This position leaves your other hand free to pat their back or offer a pacifier. You can do this while sitting or walking.

Hold #3: The Over-the-Shoulder Summit

This is more than just your standard burping position. With a few tweaks, it becomes a powerful colic soother.

1. Place your baby high up on your shoulder, so their tummy presses gently against the top of your shoulder bone.
2. This elevation and pressure can help release trapped gas bubbles that are higher up in the digestive tract.
3. Support their bottom with one hand and use the other to firmly pat or rub their back in upward circles.
4. The sound of your heartbeat and breathing so close to their ear is also incredibly calming.

Hold #4: The Gas Pedal (or Bicycle Knees)

While not a traditional ‘carry’, this is an active hold that can work wonders when your baby is lying on their back.

1. Lay your baby on a safe, flat surface like their changing mat.
2. Gently but firmly grasp their ankles.
3. Slowly push one knee up towards their chest while extending the other leg, in a bicycling motion.
4. Repeat this for 10-15 cycles. This motion physically helps move gas through the intestines.
5. Follow up by gently pressing both knees towards their tummy and holding for 10 seconds.

Hold #5: The Cozy Chair Kneel

This seated hold uses your own body to create a secure, angled nest for your baby.

1. Sit on the floor and bend your knees, keeping your feet flat.
2. Lean back slightly, creating a ‘chair’ with your thighs and upper body.
3. Rest your baby on your thighs, with their head propped on your knees and their bottom near your stomach.
4. This reclined, secure position is great for babies with reflux, and it allows you to have your hands free to rub their tummy or hold their hands.

Hold #6: The Reverse Colic Carry

A slight variation of the first hold, this one gives your baby a different view and applies pressure in a new way.

1. Instead of having the baby face inward toward your body, they face outward.
2. Drape the baby over one forearm, with their groin resting in your hand and their head near your elbow.
3. Their chin and chest are supported by your forearm. This allows you to walk around and show them different things, which can be a welcome distraction.

Hold #7: The Heart-to-Heart Hug

Never underestimate the power of skin-to-skin contact. This hold maximizes that connection while keeping your baby upright.

1. Remove your shirt and your baby’s (down to the diaper).
2. Hold your baby upright against your bare chest, with their ear resting right over your heart.
3. Drape a warm blanket over both of you.
4. The combination of your warmth, the sound of your heartbeat, and the secure feeling of being held so close can regulate their nervous system and bring a sense of deep calm.

Finding Your Go-To Move: A Quick-Glance Guide to the Holds

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with options? Don’t worry. Here is a quick-reference table to help you decide which hold to try first based on your situation. Sometimes the best approach is to cycle through a few of them until you find the one that works in that moment.

Hold Name	Best For	Parent Position	Key Benefit
1. Colic Carry	Gassy babies, general fussiness	Standing or Walking	Direct, gentle pressure on the abdomen.
2. Football Hold	Babies who like to see out, one-handed soothing	Standing or Walking	Good tummy pressure with a free hand for patting.
3. Over-the-Shoulder Summit	Trapped upper gas, babies needing closeness	Standing or Sitting	Uses shoulder pressure to release burps.
4. The Gas Pedal	Obvious tummy discomfort and bloating	Baby Lying Down	Actively moves gas through the intestines.
5. Cozy Chair Kneel	Babies with reflux, hands-free soothing	Sitting on Floor	Secure, angled position that aids digestion.
6. Reverse Colic Carry	Curious or easily distracted babies	Standing or Walking	Tummy pressure plus visual stimulation.
7. Heart-to-Heart Hug	Overstimulated or anxious babies	Sitting or Reclining	Calms the nervous system through skin-to-skin contact.

When to Trust Your Gut and Call the Doctor

While these holds are incredibly effective for typical colic, it’s vital to know when the crying might be a sign of something more. Your parental intuition is your most powerful tool. If you feel like something is wrong, it is never a mistake to seek professional advice.

Important: Please contact your pediatrician or seek medical care immediately if your baby’s crying is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Vomiting (not just spitting up), especially if it’s forceful or green/yellow.
• Changes in stool, such as blood, mucus, or severe diarrhea/constipation.
• Lethargy, unresponsiveness, or a weak cry.
• Poor feeding or refusing to eat.
• A bulging soft spot on their head.
• Any signs of pain when you touch a specific part of their body.

Remember, your pediatrician is your partner in this journey. They can rule out other issues and provide reassurance and additional strategies to help you and your baby through the colic phase.