Colic, reflux, and baby sleep: what you need to know

Few things are more distressing for new parents than watching their baby cry for hours, especially when nothing seems to help. If your little one is experiencing colic or reflux, you’re likely feeling exhausted, confused, and worried—and you’re not alone.  Let’s break down what colic and reflux really are, how they affect your baby’s sleep, and what you can do to support more peaceful nights—for both of you.

Understanding colic

Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. It typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and often resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months.

While the exact cause of colic is still unclear, it may be linked to:

• Gas or trapped wind
• Overstimulation from the environment
• An immature digestive system
  

Colic is not your fault. It’s not a reflection of your parenting or something you did wrong—it’s simply a phase that some babies go through as they adjust to life outside the womb.

What Is reflux?

Reflux occurs when milk or stomach acid flows back up into your baby’s esophagus. This is quite common in young babies due to their still-developing digestive systems.

There are two types:

• GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) – Mild and often harmless, with symptoms like frequent spitting up.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) – A more serious condition that may include pain, poor weight gain, or a refusal to feed.
  

If you’re concerned that your baby’s reflux is more than mild spit-up, it’s important to speak with your midwife or GP for proper evaluation.

How to help your baby sleep with colic or reflux

These conditions can make sleep feel elusive. But there are gentle, safe strategies that can help soothe your baby and create a more restful environment.

1. Hold baby upright after feeds: keep your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding. This helps reduce reflux symptoms by giving their milk time to settle. Avoid laying your baby flat immediately after a feed.

2. Avoid inclined sleepers: Inclined sleepers and wedges, while tempting, are not safe for sleep and increase the risk of SIDS. Instead, focus on upright cuddles after feeds and place your baby flat on their back in their sleep space once they’re calm.

3. Frequent, smaller feeds: large feeds can overwhelm your baby’s digestive system. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently may ease both colic and reflux symptoms by promoting gentler digestion.

4. Swaddle, white noise, and gentle motion: These comforting strategies can help mimic the womb and reduce overstimulation:

• Swaddling offers a sense of security
• White noise masks sudden household sounds
• Rocking or gentle movement can soothe digestive discomfort

5. Consider a Dummy: Pacifiers aren’t for everyone, but the sucking motion can help keep stomach acid down and may comfort your baby. Some babies settle more easily and sleep longer with a dummy in place.

6. Create a Calm, Predictable Bedtime Routine: A quiet, consistent routine signals to your baby that sleep is coming. Keep lights low, voices soft, and steps repetitive—this helps relax both their body and nervous system.

7. Explore Gentle Changes (With Medical Guidance): If your baby is still uncomfortable, there may be underlying sensitivities or conditions. Under your doctor’s guidance, you might consider:

• A dairy-free trial for breastfeeding parents (if cow’s milk protein intolerance is suspected)
• Thickened feeds (only with medical supervision)
• Reflux medications (for babies with diagnosed GERD or feeding/growth issues)
• Probiotics, which have shown some promise in reducing symptoms of colic
  

Remember: you’re not alone

Having a baby with colic or reflux can be incredibly challenging. It affects not only your baby’s sleep—but your own confidence, energy, and emotional wellbeing. We’re here to remind you that this will pass, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and know that there are solutions and support available.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you. We know how important sleep is to the whole family so we’re here to support you on this journey. If you need 1:1 support our sleep consultant Fiona is here to help you. Reach out to her via the ‘contact an experts’ tab on your membership dashboard.