COLIC & REFLUX
IN BABIES

Few things are more distressing for parents than watching their baby struggle with persistent fussiness, discomfort, or inconsolable crying. When symptoms are labeled as colic or reflux, families are often told that these issues are “normal,” that babies will eventually outgrow them, and that time is the only solution. While this may be true in some cases, it does little to support parents who are living day to day with an uncomfortable baby and very little rest.

Colic and reflux are not diagnoses in themselves, but descriptive terms used to explain patterns of crying, feeding difficulty, frequent spit-up, and general discomfort. For many families, understanding what may be contributing to these patterns—and learning what supportive options exist—can be an important step toward feeling less helpless and more informed during an exhausting season.

At Legacy Family Chiropractic in McKinney, Texas, Dr. Amber Galipp-Leger provides gentle, infant-specific chiropractic care focused on supporting comfort, nervous system regulation, and reducing physical tension that may contribute to digestive strain. Families from McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, and throughout the greater DFW area often seek care when they want conservative support that works alongside pediatric guidance.

Understanding Colic in Infants

Colic is typically described as prolonged periods of crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening hours. Babies experiencing colic may appear tense, arch their backs, clench their fists, or remain difficult to soothe despite feeding, diaper changes, and comforting attempts.

For parents, colic can feel overwhelming. Many describe feeling exhausted, discouraged, and worried that they are doing something wrong. Being told that colic is “just a phase” can feel dismissive when the crying is intense and persistent, especially when sleep deprivation begins to affect the entire household.

While colic does not have a single known cause, many providers recognize that multiple factors—including nervous system immaturity, digestive sensitivity, and physical tension—may influence how a baby experiences and processes discomfort.

What Reflux Looks Like in Babies

Reflux in infants is often associated with frequent spit-up, arching during or after feeds, irritability when lying flat, or difficulty settling after eating. Some babies appear uncomfortable during feeding, while others seem restless or unsettled between feeds, particularly when placed on their backs.

It is important to distinguish between normal spit-up and reflux that appears to cause noticeable discomfort. Pediatricians are the appropriate providers to medically evaluate reflux symptoms and determine whether further intervention or monitoring is needed.

From a supportive care perspective, reflux-related discomfort may be influenced by how comfortably a baby’s body is moving and how effectively their nervous system is regulating digestion. This does not imply that chiropractic care treats reflux itself, but rather that physical comfort can play a role in overall ease.

The Role of Tension and the Nervous System

A baby’s nervous system plays a central role in digestion, soothing, and regulation. When physical tension is present—particularly through the spine, neck, or diaphragm—it may affect how comfortably a baby feeds, rests, and settles.

Birth, even when uncomplicated, places physical demands on a baby’s body. Prolonged labor, assisted delivery, or in-utero positioning can contribute to tension patterns that persist after birth. These patterns are often subtle, but they may influence how a baby responds to stimulation, feeding, and digestion.

Supporting nervous system regulation through gentle, specific care is one way families seek to help their baby feel more at ease in their body during this early and sensitive stage of development.

How Gentle Chiropractic Care May Support Comfort

Infant chiropractic care focuses on identifying and reducing areas of physical restriction that may interfere with comfortable movement and nervous system communication. Care is extremely gentle and adapted specifically for babies, with techniques designed to respect a developing spine and nervous system.

Dr. Amber evaluates how a baby’s spine, neck, and pelvis are moving and looks for patterns of tension that may be contributing to discomfort. Adjustments involve very light pressure and are never forceful. The goal is to support the baby’s natural ability to regulate and adapt—not to treat colic or reflux directly.

Parents often notice gradual changes, such as improved settling, easier feeding positions, or a calmer demeanor. Every baby responds differently, and care is always positioned as supportive rather than curative.

Supporting Parents Through a Challenging Season

Caring for a baby with colic or reflux can take a significant emotional and physical toll. Sleep deprivation, constant crying, and concern for a baby’s comfort can leave parents feeling depleted and unsure of their next steps.

One of the most important aspects of care is helping parents feel heard and supported. Dr. Amber takes time to listen to observations, explain findings clearly, and answer questions without rushing. Understanding what may be contributing to a baby’s discomfort can help reduce anxiety and restore confidence in parental instincts.

When appropriate, families may also be encouraged to coordinate care with pediatricians, lactation consultants, or other providers to ensure comprehensive and collaborative support.

Serving McKinney and the Greater DFW Area

Legacy Family Chiropractic is located in McKinney, Texas and works with families throughout Allen, Frisco, Prosper, and surrounding North Dallas and DFW communities who are navigating early infant discomfort. Many parents arrive feeling unsure and exhausted after weeks of persistent crying, feeding struggles, or difficulty soothing their baby.

Families often seek care while looking for conservative, gentle support that complements pediatric guidance—especially when they have been told that colic or reflux is something their baby will simply outgrow. Our focus is on helping parents better understand what may be contributing to their baby’s discomfort and whether physical tension or movement patterns could be part of the picture.

Dr. Amber Galipp-Leger works with parents who value thoughtful evaluation, clear communication, and realistic expectations. Care emphasizes education, collaboration, and respect for the baby’s developing body, while encouraging continued involvement from pediatric providers.

When to Consider Support for Colic or Reflux

If your baby experiences prolonged periods of crying, feeding-related discomfort, or difficulty settling, it may be helpful to explore supportive care options alongside pediatric guidance. Early evaluation can help clarify whether physical tension or movement patterns may be contributing to what you are observing.

Infant chiropractic care is commonly used alongside routine pediatric care and does not replace medical evaluation. Always consult your pediatrician regarding feeding concerns, reflux symptoms, or persistent crying.

Don’t Ignore Ongoing Infant Discomfort—Support Comfort Early

If your baby seems persistently uncomfortable, fussy, or difficult to soothe, early support may help address contributing factors and improve overall ease during the first months of life.

At Legacy Family Chiropractic, Dr. Amber Galipp-Leger helps parents better understand what may be influencing their baby’s comfort and provides gentle, age-appropriate care focused on supporting regulation and movement.

Call or text (214) 880-6330, or use our Appointment Request form (based on availability) to schedule an infant evaluation and learn whether craniosacral therapy may be appropriate for your child.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician regarding infant health, feeding concerns, reflux symptoms, and persistent crying.