Top Products for Colic

The Best Products for Calming your Hard-to-Soothe Infant

Anyone who has a fussy, colicky or high need baby knows that many of the baby products out there are designed for 'easy' babies. Below is a list of the top products for fussy babies. Many of these products attempt to replicate the experience of the womb, helping your little one to feel safe, secure, and (hopefully) even soothe them to sleep.

Some of these items are similar to other products on the market, but have extra features that cater to the needs of colicky of fussy babies.

I have spent many hours researching and reviewing the best products on the market, but if I've missed something please let me know.

*Please note: We are in no way compensated for recommending or reviewing the products below. If you have a product you would like reviewed, please send me an email. I do not accept compensation for reviews, and only products that are tested and found to be unique, and genuinely helpful for fussy babies will be included here.

Baby Carriers

All babies love to be close to mom or dad. But fussy babies may need constant holding, and may not tolerate being wheeled around in a stroller. This is why I highly recommend using a baby carrier. Here is one that is perfect for fussy babies.

The Ergo Baby Carrier

There are a few things that set the Ergo apart from other infant carriers, and make it perfect for fussy babies.

It is easier on your baby's body, as they are in a proper sitting position rather than hanging by the crotch (like in many other popular carriers)
It is easier on your body, as your baby's weight is distributed between your hips and shoulders.
You can use it all the way from the newborn stage (with a special insert) to 40 pounds (or 3-4 years old!). This is important as we know that some older (and heavier!) babies still need to be constantly carried long past the newborn stage.
You can wear your baby on your front, back or even in a hip carry (which puts less strain on your as your fussy baby becomes a fussy toddler!)
Your fussy baby will love being close to you and being able to see what's going on around him. Since many high-needs infants do not tolerate the stroller well, this is a great way to take your little one shopping, to the park, or for a long walk (or even just get something done around the house).

Products for Soothing Tummy Pain & Gas

Happi Tummi Infant Waistband

While obviously not all infant fussiness or colic is the result of tummy pain or gas, in some cases it can be a factor. If you have older kids, you may have noticed how a hot water bottle can work wonders on a stomachache (Check out the Oopdoo Hug for older kids).

The Happi Tummi works on the same concept as a heating pad, only it's perfectly proportioned for infants. It is made of a super soft fabric, and fastens snugly around your little one's middle, gently pressing a warm, soothing herbal pouch against your baby's tummy.

What sets this waistband apart from other, similar products on the market is the fact that velcro fasteners hold the band in place; a necessity with a squirming, flailing infant.

BioGaia Probiotic Drops

If your physician suspects that your fussy or colicky baby is having trouble with digestion, BioGaia Probiotic Drops may help. Unlike other colic treatments, such as gas drops (eg: Mylicon) or gripe water, BioGaia probiotic drops have been proven to greatly reduce colic symptoms in infants.

In fact, the study released in early 2007 showed greatly reduced crying times in 95% of babies tested (note: mothers were also on a low allergen diet, which has also been shown to help colic symptoms).

While other brands of Probiotic drops may work just as well as the BioGaia brand, make sure you are getting the kind which contains the Lactobacillus Reuteri probiotic, the kind tested in the study.

Sleep Aids for Colic and Reflux

Sleep issues, including trouble falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and painful reflux during sleep are all common complaints of parents of high needs infants. Fortunately there are several sleep aids that can help your fussy baby sleep better and more comfortably.

Tucker Sling

Painful reflux can inhibit your baby's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Elevating one end of her crib or mattress can help ensure stomach acid stays down. The problem many parents run into, however, is that their baby slips down to the bottom end of the mattress.

The Tucker Sling works by attaching to the higher end of the crib mattress like a fitted sheet, while the diaper-like section fits betwen your baby's legs, securing them so they don't slide to the lower end of the crib.

Amby Baby Bed

Important update, December 2009: Amby Baby bed recalled, found unsafe by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

How many times have you nursed or rocked your colicky baby to sleep, laid him down carefully in the crib, only to have him immediately startle and wake up crying?

The Amby Baby Motion Bed simulates the motion of the womb by gently bouncing and rocking when your baby moves. This can result in your baby sleeping longer, as they are soothed back to sleep when their natural movements gently rock and bounce the bed.

Added bonuses include the ability to elevate one end to create an incline for babies with reflux, and a cozy, swaddled environment which more closely mimics your arms.

*I have heard from a distributor of the Amby Baby bed that some babies tend to get scrunched up when using it.

Infant Swings

Fussy or colicky infants often respond well to infant swings. Soothing a colicky baby until they're calm, and then placing them in a swing (at the highest setting - important!) can replicate the feeling of the womb and lull them to sleep.

Gently rocking in a rocking chair or glider may not be enough for a colicky of fussy baby. It's almost as if their senses need to be overwhelmed by stimulation in order to settle.

Fisher-Price Cradle Swings (Any theme)

6 swing speeds, with the highest speed being fast enough to soothe a baby with colic.
Can swing in 2 directions: Back and forth and side to side.
Music and soothing sounds with adjustable volume...may be used as 'white noise' for infants with colic (needs to be loud).

Swaddling Blankets

Swaddling your fussy baby is key to helping them feel safe and secure. In the womb they are used to being warm, snug...and confined. While it works to use a regular square blanket, parents of fussy babies often find their high-energy little ones can easily break free from the blanket, waking them up or making them even more upset.

These blankets are specially designed to be virtually escape-proof, helping your fussy baby fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer.

Miracle Blanket

Figuring out how to use this blanket can be a little tricky at first, but the learning curve is well worth it. It is one size fits all, made of a cozy soft fabric, and has no snaps, buttons or velcro. The design is unlike any other swaddler I have seen (you have to try one to see what I mean), and will keep even the fussiest baby securely swaddled. Many babies will immediately calm upon being swaddled.

The only downside I can see is that as your baby gets bigger, they may outgrow the blanket. We could no longer swaddle our son's legs with the miracle blanket when he reached about 3 months old (at that point he was about 20 pounds). We found at that point though, it was sufficient to simply swaddle his arms with the blanket and leave his legs out.

Other Colic Products

The Soodle Seat

I have heard from parents who spent many nights sitting on an exercise ball bouncing their colicky baby. The bouncing and the comfort of your arms can quickly soothe your baby, but you may find yourself getting tired from trying to balance on a standard ball.

The Soodle Seat is far more comfortable than an exercise ball, and is stable on the ground so doesn't require any balancing on your part.

*Please note: We are in no way compensated for recommending or reviewing the above products.