What Is Colic—And What Can I Do To Help My Baby?

• Evidence level: Very low
• Best time to try: Only after consulting with your primary pediatrician.
• Safety: Proceed with Caution. The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) states there is no strong evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of chiropractic care for babies and children.

Some studies have shown that chiropractic spinal manipulation is an effective colic treatment, but these studies didn’t compare the subjects to a control group of babies who weren’t treated. Also, the therapy started around the time most colic was at its worst, and continued over two weeks, when it would usually start to improve anyway. It’s important to note that in February, the Canadian Paediatric Society issued a statement saying, “There is no scientific evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic in treating nonmusculoskeletal conditions in children.” Cranio-sacral therapy is the gentle palpation of the bones of the skull by a specialized massage therapist. Make sure you go to someone who is not only a registered massage therapist but certified by the Upledger Institute. There are no formal studies to show it’s an effective treatment for colic, though some parents claim it helps.