If you're reading this with a crying baby in your arms, take a breath — you're not doing anything wrong, and you're not alone. Colic is one of the most exhausting, heart-wrenching experiences of early parenthood. The endless crying, the arched back, the clenched fists, the feeling that nothing you try is working. Here in London, Ontario, we meet families every week who are running on no sleep and quietly wondering if it will ever get better.
It does get better. And in the meantime, there are gentle, drug-free ways to bring your baby some comfort. One that surprises a lot of parents is baby hydrotherapy — warm-water float therapy designed specifically for infants. Let's talk about what colic actually is, and why floating and gentle massage can help calm a fussy, gassy baby.
First, what is colic?
Colic is generally defined as a healthy baby crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks. It usually starts around 2–3 weeks of age, peaks around 6 weeks, and most often eases by 3–4 months.
The frustrating part? Doctors still don't fully agree on what causes it. The leading theories point to an immature digestive system, trapped gas, a developing nervous system that gets easily overstimulated, and difficulty self-soothing. What we do know is that colic is not your fault, it's not caused by anything you did, and it doesn't mean your baby is unwell — though it always makes sense to rule out other causes with your doctor. Because so much of colic ties back to digestion, gas, and an overstimulated nervous system, the soothing approaches that target those areas tend to bring the most relief.
How baby hydrotherapy helps with colic
Babies spent nine months floating in warm fluid. Returning them to a warm-water environment taps into something deeply familiar and calming. At Dolphin Dive Baby Spa, your baby floats freely in a custom-designed tub of warm, purified water, supported by a gentle neck float, while you stay close the whole time.
It eases trapped gas and digestion. The gentle, weightless movement of floating lets your baby's body move in ways it can't manage on land. That natural motion helps shift trapped air through the digestive system — one of the biggest physical triggers of colic discomfort.
It calms an overstimulated nervous system. Warm water lowers stress hormones and signals the body to relax. Many babies who arrive fussy settle within minutes of entering the water — the same reason a warm bath soothes us as adults, turned up for a tiny nervous system that's still learning how to regulate itself.
It supports better sleep. The combination of warmth, gentle movement, and deep relaxation is wonderfully tiring in the best way. A lot of our London families tell us their baby has one of their best naps of the week after a session.
The power of pairing hydrotherapy with infant massage
For colic specifically, the most effective approach we offer combines a float with a gentle, RMT-led infant massage — our Baby Hydrotherapy & Massage Combo.
Certain massage techniques are specifically designed to relieve gas and colic. Gentle, clockwise tummy strokes follow the natural path of the digestive tract and help move trapped air along. Because our infant massages are performed by Registered Massage Therapists, you also get the reassurance of trained, professional hands — and the sessions are often covered under extended health insurance. When you combine the gas-relieving benefits of warm-water movement with targeted massage, you're soothing your baby's colic from two directions at once.
What a session looks like at Dolphin Dive
- Arrival and prep. We'll walk you through everything and make sure your baby is comfortable, fed, and ready before we begin.
- Gentle infant massage. Your session begins with an RMT-guided massage to relax your baby and ease digestive discomfort.
- The float. Your baby enters the warm, purified water with a soft neck float in place, moving freely while you stay right beside them.
- Calm afterglow. Most babies drift into a deeply relaxed state — and many parents finally exhale right along with them.
Sessions are available for babies from 1 month to 3 years.
A few colic soothing tips you can try at home
- Tummy time on your forearm (the "colic hold") to apply light, comforting pressure.
- Bicycle legs — gently cycle your baby's legs to move trapped gas.
- A warm bath at home to mimic the calming effect of the womb.
- White noise and gentle motion — rocking, a stroller walk, or babywearing.
- Smaller, more frequent feeds with plenty of burping, if your baby tends to gulp air.
When to call your doctor
Hydrotherapy and massage are soothing, complementary comforts — not a substitute for medical care. Colic itself is harmless, but excessive crying can occasionally signal something that needs a doctor's attention. Please check in with your pediatrician or family doctor if your baby:
- Has a fever, is vomiting, or has blood in their stool
- Isn't feeding well or isn't gaining weight
- Seems unusually lethargic or difficult to wake
- Has crying that suddenly changes in pitch or pattern
Trust your instincts — you know your baby best. When in doubt, get them checked.
You don't have to ride this out alone
Colic is temporary, even when it doesn't feel that way at 3am. If you'd like a gentle, professional way to bring your baby some comfort — and to give yourself a calm moment too — we'd love to welcome your family.
Book a Hydrotherapy & Massage Combo at Dolphin Dive Baby Spa, London, Ontario's first dedicated baby spa. Or reach out with any questions — we're here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Can hydrotherapy cure my baby's colic?
No single thing "cures" colic — it naturally resolves with time, usually by 3–4 months. But warm-water hydrotherapy and gentle infant massage can soothe the gas, tension, and overstimulation that make colic so distressing, bringing real comfort in the meantime.
How old does my baby need to be to try hydrotherapy?
We welcome babies from 1 month to 3 years. Every session is matched to your baby's developmental stage.
Is infant massage for colic covered by insurance?
Our infant massages are performed by Registered Massage Therapists, so they're covered under many extended health plans in Ontario. Check with your provider for your specific coverage.
