If your baby has colic, you probably know how hard those long crying spells can be.
You might have tried feeding, burping, cuddling, rocking, walking around the room or changing your little one’s routine, only to find that nothing seems to settle them for very long. The crying can be upsetting for your baby, but it can be incredibly draining for you too.
And when you don’t know why your baby is crying, it’s very easy to start wondering if you’re missing something.
Many parents look for gentle ways to support a baby who is unsettled. Craniosacral therapy is one complementary approach that some families choose to explore.
But can it help with colic? And what should you know before booking a session?
Let’s take a look.
What Is Colic in Babies?
Colic is a term commonly used when a healthy baby cries for long periods without an obvious reason.
You may notice your baby:
- Crying for long stretches, often in the afternoon or evening
- Pulling their legs up towards their tummy
- Clenching their little hands
- Becoming very difficult to settle
- Looking uncomfortable or restless
- Going red in the face while crying
Some babies also seem to have a lot of wind or appear to struggle with their tummy.
Colic often starts when a baby is just a few weeks old and, thankfully, usually improves as they get older. Every baby is different, though, and not all crying is down to colic.
If your baby seems unwell, isn’t feeding properly, has a temperature, is unusually sleepy or you’re simply worried that something isn’t right, speak with your GP, public health nurse or paediatrician. In Ireland, your GP is often the first person to contact when you’re concerned about your baby’s health.
Why Do Parents Consider Craniosacral Therapy for Colic?
When your baby is unsettled day after day, it’s understandable to look for something gentle that may help.
Craniosacral therapy is a complementary therapy involving very light touch. When working with a baby, the therapist should take things slowly and pay close attention to the baby’s movements, expressions and overall comfort.
There is no need to force a baby to stay still.
Some parents are drawn to craniosacral therapy because they like the idea of a quiet, gentle session where their baby can be supported without strong pressure or manipulation.
It is worth keeping expectations realistic, though.
There isn’t currently enough good-quality scientific evidence to say that craniosacral therapy can treat or cure colic. Some parents may feel that their baby seems calmer or more settled afterwards, but every baby responds differently, and colic can also naturally change as babies grow.
So, if you decide to try it, think of it as complementary support rather than a treatment for colic itself.
Know in detail: Craniosacral Therapy for Babies: What Parents Should Know
What Happens During Craniosacral Therapy for a Baby?
A baby’s session should be very different from what you might imagine when you hear the words “therapy session”.
There is no expectation that your little one will lie perfectly still.
Your baby might lie comfortably on the treatment table, be held in your arms or even have a feed or a cuddle during the appointment. If they need a break, that’s absolutely fine.
The therapist uses a very light touch and watches how your baby responds.
Your baby’s comfort comes first.
A calm room can make a difference too. Babies can pick up on changes in their surroundings, so having a warm, quiet and welcoming space can help the whole experience feel less daunting.
As a therapist, I want parents to feel comfortable asking questions. If you have concerns before the session, talk them through. You should never feel rushed into anything.
Can Craniosacral Therapy Help a Baby With Colic?
This is the question most parents understandably want answered.
At the moment, there isn’t strong enough evidence to say that craniosacral therapy reliably reduces or resolves colic.
That doesn’t mean a baby cannot respond positively to a gentle session. Some parents notice that their baby appears more relaxed afterwards.
But a parent’s experience is different from scientific evidence, and we also know that colic tends to improve naturally with time.
For that reason, I would encourage parents to approach craniosacral therapy with an open mind, but without expecting it to “fix” colic.
Every baby is different.
And your baby’s response matters more than trying to follow a particular treatment plan.
What Might Parents Notice After a Gentle Session?
There are no guarantees, and craniosacral therapy shouldn’t be promoted as a cure for colic.
Some parents simply appreciate having a calm space where they can slow down, spend time with their baby and talk to someone who understands how challenging those unsettled periods can be.
They may value:
- Gentle hands-on contact
- A quiet and relaxed environment
- Time to focus on their baby
- Reassurance and support
- Watching how their baby responds to gentle touch
- A peaceful experience for both parent and baby
Sometimes, that bit of breathing space is welcome when you’re in the middle of a difficult few weeks.
Most importantly, you know your baby best.
If your baby becomes upset or seems uncomfortable during a session, there should never be any pressure to continue.
Is Craniosacral Therapy Safe for Babies?
Whenever you’re considering any complementary therapy for a young baby, it’s reasonable to have questions about safety.
Take your time choosing a practitioner. Check that they have appropriate training and experience working with babies, and don’t be afraid to ask about their qualifications and approach.
Baby craniosacral therapy should always be gentle. There should be no forceful pressure, manipulation or movements that cause your baby discomfort.
It is also important to remember that complementary therapy does not replace medical care.
If your baby has a fever, breathing difficulties, persistent vomiting, blood in their poo, signs of dehydration, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or a swollen tummy, seek medical advice promptly.
And if your gut feeling is that something isn’t right, trust it. Speak with your GP or public health nurse.
What Can You Do at Home When Your Baby Has Colic?
There isn’t one trick that works for every baby.
Sometimes a simple approach is best. Holding your baby close, gentle rocking, keeping them upright after a feed and reducing noise and stimulation may help them settle.
You might also find it useful to keep a simple note of when your baby feeds, sleeps, cries and settles. Patterns aren’t always obvious at first, but keeping track can give you something useful to discuss with your GP or public health nurse.
And please remember yourself in all of this.
A baby who cries for hours can leave you absolutely worn out. If someone offers to make you dinner, hold the baby while you shower or simply sit with you for a while, let them help if you can.
You don’t have to do every bit of it on your own.
Choosing Craniosacral Therapy for Your Baby in Carrigaline
If you’re thinking about craniosacral therapy for your baby, choosing the right practitioner matters.
You may want to look for someone who:
- Has appropriate professional training
- Has experience working with babies
- Takes a gentle, baby-led approach
- Is happy to answer your questions
- Listens to your concerns as a parent
- Creates a calm and comfortable environment
- Is honest about what the therapy can and cannot do
For families in Carrigaline and the surrounding Cork area, I offer gentle craniosacral therapy for babies at Carrigaline Wellness Centre.
My approach is centred around creating a calm experience and allowing your baby to set the pace. If your little one needs a cuddle, a feed or a pause, that’s part of the session too.
There is no rush.
A Gentle Option for Parents and Babies
Having a baby with colic can be one of those periods of early parenthood that feels never-ending while you’re in the middle of it.
You’re tired. Your baby is crying. And you may be wondering what else you can possibly try.
Craniosacral therapy may be something you’d like to explore as part of your baby’s wider wellbeing. Just keep in mind that there isn’t currently enough evidence to say that it treats colic itself.
The aim should never be to promise a cure.
Instead, it can be about offering your baby a calm, gentle experience and giving you, as a parent, the time and space to ask questions and feel supported.
If you’d like to chat about craniosacral therapy for babies in Carrigaline, you’re very welcome to get in touch with me before making an appointment.
Book a Baby Craniosacral Therapy Session with Emer O’Reilly
If you’re considering a session for your little one, get in touch to ask any questions or book an appointment with Emer O’Reilly at Carrigaline Wellness Centre.
About the Author
Emer O’Reilly – Craniosacral Therapy for Babies in Carrigaline
Emer O’Reilly provides craniosacral therapy for babies in Carrigaline, Cork, offering parents a calm and supportive space to talk about their concerns and explore complementary therapy for their little one.
Her approach is centred around listening to parents, respecting each baby’s individual needs and keeping the experience as comfortable and gentle as possible.
You can learn more about Emer’s work through her practitioner profile at Carrigaline Wellness Centre.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Craniosacral therapy is a complementary therapy. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, please speak with your GP, public health nurse or paediatrician.
