Can Probiotics Cure Colic? The Science Behind Gut Health for Crying Babies

Before we can talk about solutions, it’s so important to understand what we’re dealing with. Colic isn’t a disease or a diagnosis of something being terribly wrong; it’s a label for a collection of behaviors. And it’s incredibly common, affecting up to 1 in 4 newborns. While every baby is different, classic colic has a few tell-tale signs that you might recognize all too well:

• Intense, Inconsolable Crying: This isn’t a typical ‘I’m hungry’ or ‘I need a diaper change’ cry. It’s often a piercing, frantic scream that seems to have no solution.
• Predictable Timing: Does the ‘witching hour’ sound familiar? Colic episodes often happen around the same time each day, frequently in the late afternoon or evening.
• Physical Signs of Discomfort: You might notice your baby clenching their tiny fists, pulling their knees up to their chest, arching their back, or having a tight, gassy tummy.

For years, the advice has been to simply wait it out, as colic typically peaks around 6 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months. But four months can feel like an eternity when you’re in the trenches. The frustration and exhaustion are real, and it can take a toll on your mental health and your ability to bond with your baby. That’s why researchers have been working so hard to look beyond the old explanations. They started asking a new question: What if the problem isn’t just behavioral, but biological? What if the discomfort is real, and it’s starting in their gut?

A Reassuring Thought: Remember, your baby isn’t crying to manipulate you or because you’re a bad parent. They are in genuine discomfort, and they’re using the only tool they have—their voice—to tell you about it.

Let’s talk about something amazing: the gut microbiome. Think of it as a bustling, microscopic city living inside your baby’s intestines, made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. This ‘city’ is incredibly important for everything from digesting food to developing a strong immune system. And, as we’re now discovering, it has a direct line of communication with the brain, often called the ‘gut-brain axis’.

A baby’s gut microbiome starts developing from the moment of birth. The journey through the birth canal, skin-to-skin contact, and their first sips of breast milk or formula all introduce new ‘citizens’ to their gut city. In a perfect world, this city is dominated by beneficial bacteria that keep things running smoothly. However, sometimes an imbalance occurs—a state called dysbiosis—where less helpful bacteria start to take over. This can lead to problems like:

• Increased Gas Production: Some types of bacteria are notorious for producing a lot of gas, leading to that tight, bloated tummy and painful toots.
• Inflammation: An unhealthy gut lining can become inflamed and irritated, causing real, physical pain for your little one.
• Poor Digestion: An imbalanced microbiome can struggle to properly break down lactose and other components of milk, leading to more discomfort.

Several fascinating studies have compared the gut bacteria of colicky babies to that of non-colicky babies. The results are compelling: infants with colic consistently show lower levels of beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) and higher levels of inflammatory bacteria. This discovery shifted the entire conversation. Colic might not just be a mystery behavior; it could be a symptom of an unhappy gut. And if the problem is an imbalance of bacteria, it opens the door to a logical solution: could we fix it by adding more of the good guys?

This is where probiotics enter the picture. Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, can help restore balance to the gut’s ecosystem. But here’s the crucial part: not all probiotics are created equal. You can’t just grab any bottle off the shelf. When it comes to colic, the scientific community has zeroed in on one particular superstar strain: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.

Why this specific one? Because it’s been the subject of numerous high-quality clinical trials. Let’s break down what the research says in a way that makes sense:

• For Breastfed Babies: The evidence here is quite strong. Multiple randomized controlled trials (the gold standard of research) have found that giving breastfed infants with colic daily drops of L. reuteri significantly reduced their average daily crying time compared to a placebo. In some studies, the crying time was cut by 50% or more after just a few weeks!
• For Formula-Fed Babies: The results here are a bit more mixed. Some studies show a benefit, while others don’t. Why the difference? It’s not entirely clear, but it could be related to ingredients in formula that affect how the probiotic works, or fundamental differences in the gut microbiome of formula-fed infants. More research is definitely needed in this area.

So, how does it work? L. reuteri is thought to help by improving gut motility (helping things move along), reducing gas-producing bacteria, and having an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut lining. It essentially goes in and helps calm the chaos, addressing the root cause of the discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms.

The Bottom Line: While not a guaranteed ‘cure’ for every baby, the specific probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has shown significant, evidence-based promise in reducing colic symptoms, particularly for breastfed infants, by promoting a healthier, more balanced gut.

If you’re considering trying probiotics, it’s natural to feel both hopeful and a little nervous. Your baby is so tiny, and you want to make sure you’re doing everything as safely as possible. That’s perfect. Let’s create a clear, simple action plan.

Step 1: Talk to Your Pediatrician First!

This is non-negotiable. Before starting any supplement, you must have a conversation with your baby’s doctor. They can confirm that your baby’s crying is indeed colic and not a sign of another medical issue. They can also provide guidance based on your baby’s specific health history, especially for premature infants or those with compromised immune systems.

Safety First: Always, always consult your pediatrician before giving your baby any new supplement, including probiotics. They are your partner in your baby’s health.

Step 2: Know What to Look For on the Label

Once you have the green light from your doctor, it’s time to become a savvy shopper. When choosing a probiotic for colic, look for these key things:

• The Right Strain: The label should explicitly state Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. If it just says ‘Lactobacillus blend,’ it’s not the specific, clinically studied strain.
• Designed for Infants: Choose a product specifically formulated for babies, which will almost always be in a liquid drop form.
• Clinically Studied Dosage: The typical dose used in studies is 100 million Colony Forming Units (CFUs), which usually translates to about 5 drops per day, but follow the product’s and your doctor’s instructions.
• Proper Storage: Check the packaging. Some probiotic drops require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive, while others are shelf-stable.

Step 3: Be Consistent and Patient

Administering the drops is usually easy. You can place them on a spoon, directly in your baby’s mouth, on your breast before feeding, or mix them into a bottle of cool or lukewarm expressed milk or formula (never hot, as it can kill the bacteria). The most important thing is consistency. Give the drops at the same time every day. And remember, this isn’t an instant fix. It can take one to two weeks of daily use to see a noticeable improvement as the good bacteria colonize the gut and start making a difference. Hang in there!

Probiotics can be a powerful tool, but they are often most effective as part of a larger comfort strategy. While you’re waiting for the probiotics to work their magic, or if you’re looking for additional ways to help your baby, don’t forget the tried-and-true techniques that have helped parents for generations. Think of these as more tools in your amazing parenting toolkit.

Motion and Sound

Many colicky babies are calmed by sensations that mimic the womb. Consider:

• The 5 S’s: A technique popularized by Dr. Harvey Karp, this involves Swaddling (snugly), holding your baby on their Side or Stomach, Shushing (loudly, like the womb), Swinging (gently), and offering something to Suck (like a pacifier).
• A Change of Scenery: Sometimes, simply walking outside, feeling a gentle breeze, or the motion of a car ride can be enough to break the crying spell.
• White Noise: A white noise machine, a fan, or even the sound of a vacuum cleaner can be incredibly soothing.

Tummy Troubleshooters

If you suspect gas is a major contributor, you can try:

• Infant Massage: Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion.
• Bicycle Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion to help release trapped gas.
• A Warm Bath: The warm water can relax tense tummy muscles and provide a calming distraction.

Feeding Adjustments (with Professional Guidance)

Sometimes, feeding can play a role. It’s essential to discuss these changes with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant:

• For Breastfeeding Moms: Occasionally, a food in your diet (most commonly cow’s milk protein) can cause irritation. Your doctor might suggest a supervised elimination diet for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.
• For Formula-Fed Babies: Your pediatrician might recommend trying a different type of formula, such as a hydrolyzed protein formula, which is easier for sensitive tummies to digest.

And finally, a word for you, the parent. Taking care of a colicky baby is a marathon. It is okay to feel touched-out, frustrated, and exhausted. Put the baby down in a safe place (like their crib) and step away for five minutes to breathe. Ask your partner, a friend, or a family member for help. Your well-being is just as important.