The first weeks with a newborn bring a mix of snuggly sweetness and utter chaos. There are sleepy stretches of cuddles, little bouts of calm, and then moments that feel never-ending and all-consuming. Many parents imagine the tough parts will revolve around feeding or settling into a routine. Yet, one of the wildest experiences is when a baby cries and cries with no obvious explanation. When the crying lasts for hours, grows louder as the day goes on or appears at roughly the same time each afternoon or evening, parents often begin wondering whether wind, discomfort or digestive sensitivity might be part of the picture.
It’s during this time that many families search the internet at 2 am, looking for reassurance, looking for answers, and often coming across discussions of soothing strategies, feeding adjustments, and products such as colic drops. But the real question most parents want answered is much simpler: why does my baby seem so uncomfortable, and what can I do to help?
Take a supportive, grounded look at why newborns experience digestive unrest, what parents can try at home, and how to approach those long evenings that feel like they will never end.
Why Babies Experience Digestive Discomfort
Newborn digestion is still in its early stages of development. Muscles that move milk through the digestive tract are still learning. Gas becomes trapped more easily. Feeding technique takes time to refine, whether through breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Even slight changes, like gulping too much air or feeding too quickly, can create a cycle of discomfort.
Other common contributors include:
- The immaturity of the gut microbiome
- Sensitivity to positioning during and after feeds
- A very normal lack of coordination between swallowing and breathing
- Growth spurts that alter hunger and feeding pace
- Milk pooling in the stomach when babies lie flat too soon
It’s often a combination rather than a single cause. And because babies can’t shift themselves, burp on command or adjust their posture, they rely entirely on gentle parental support to ease discomfort.
Reading a Baby’s Signals
Crying is a baby’s only form of communication, which makes it hard to interpret. But with time, many parents learn the difference between a hunger cry, an overtired cry and a cry that stems from physical discomfort.
Digestive discomfort is often accompanied by:
- Pulling legs toward the tummy
- Arching the back
- Straining or grizzling during feeds
- Excessive wind
- Crying escalates in the late afternoon or evening
- Difficulty settling, even when held
None of these signs point definitively to colic or wind; they simply suggest that the baby needs help releasing trapped air or finding a more comfortable position.
Supporting Babies Through Settling Techniques
Parents often discover a handful of techniques that work reliably for their little one, even if those techniques differ from what works for another family. A few gentle practices include:
Holding positions
- The upright hold on a parent’s chest after a feed
- The “colic carry,” where the baby lies tummy-down across the forearm
- A deep cuddle hold that encourages warmth and relaxation
Movement
- Slow pacing around the room
- Rocking in a chair
- Rhythmic swaying while soft music plays
Environmental cues
- Dimmed lights
- A quiet space with low stimulation
- White noise or soft humming
These strategies don’t fix the underlying digestive challenge, but they help babies ride the wave of discomfort more calmly.
Feeding Adjustments That Can Help
Sometimes, small tweaks during feeding make a big difference. This includes:
- Offering breaks during feeds to allow gentle burping
- Keeping the baby upright for a while after feeding
- Checking the bottle teat flow to ensure it isn’t too fast
- Burping in different positions until one proves effective
Breastfeeding parents may also experiment with adjusting latch technique, expressing slightly before feeding to reduce forceful letdown or seeking the guidance of a lactation consultant if feeding feels consistently difficult.
When Parents Need Reassurance
What makes newborn fussiness especially challenging is that it often peaks in the late afternoon and evening, which, of course, is a time when parents are tired, hungry or even dealing with their older children. Confidence dips easily. Doubts creep in. The quiet parts of the day don’t always compensate emotionally for the hours that feel overwhelming.
But it’s important to remember that fussiness in the early months is incredibly common. Most babies experience phases of wind and discomfort, and most settle as their digestion matures. The goal isn’t to find a miracle fix, but to assemble a toolkit of strategies that support both parent and child.
Products and Approaches That Some Parents Explore
Alongside soothing techniques, some parents consider remedies that support settling or digestion. Families share experiences with warm baths, gentle tummy massage, bicycle legs and drops designed to soothe windy tummies or help with settling.
If exploring any product, it’s wise to follow age guidelines, use only as directed and check suitability for babies who are premature or have underlying conditions. Parents also often speak with their GP, child health nurse or midwife to get tailored guidance—especially when fussiness seems extreme or persistent.
Taking Care of Yourself During Difficult Phases
The emotional load of caring for a distressed baby is heavier than many people realise. While newborns are tiny, the impact on parents is anything but. Long evenings filled with crying can leave even the calmest person feeling anxious or inadequate.
Looking after your own wellbeing makes a genuine difference. This might involve:
- Asking a partner, family member or friend to take over for a short break
- Stepping outside for a few deep breaths
- Eating something nourishing, even if it’s simple
- Accepting help with chores to reduce the daily burden
- Remembering that fussiness is a phase, not a reflection of your ability
No parent is meant to navigate newborn life alone. The strongest families are often the ones willing to share the load.
When To Seek Medical Advice
Most unsettled behaviour falls within the normal spectrum of newborn development. However, it’s sensible to reach out for professional advice if:
- Baby is inconsolable for very long periods
- Feeding becomes difficult or less frequent
- There are changes in nappies (very few wet nappies, unusual stools)
- Fever, vomiting or lethargy appear
- Your intuition tells you something feels different
Trusting your instincts matters. A quick check with a health professional is never wasted.
Final Thoughts: Infant Comfort and Soothing Techniques for New Mums
Newborn discomfort is a complex experience, both for babies and for the adults who love them. It tests patience, confidence and endurance. Yet it also offers moments of closeness that shape early bonding. With time, babies grow into their bodies, feeding becomes smoother, and the long crying stretches fade.
Parents don’t need perfection to get through this period; they need reassurance, practical tools and moments of rest. And with each week that passes, most babies find their rhythm, leaving their families with a sense of strength, understanding and hard-earned calm.
