Easing Colic and Supporting Gut Health with Real Foods

If you’ve ever spent a night bouncing, rocking, and googling “how to help a colicky baby,” you’re in good company. Colic is one of those parenting mysteries that can leave even the calmest caregivers feeling helpless. The cries come out of nowhere. Nothing seems to help. And your baby, who otherwise seems healthy, just won’t settle.

We’ve been there. And while there’s no single answer (if only!), there are gentle, food-based ways to support your baby’s digestion, starting with what goes in their tiny, growing tummy.

At Kekoa Foods, we believe real ingredients can do real good. Even for fussy bellies.

What Is Colic, Really?

Colic typically shows up in babies under 5 months old and is marked by long periods of intense crying for no obvious reason. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and emotionally draining. But you’re not alone. It affects about 1 in 5 babies, and the cause isn’t always clear.

Many experts believe it has something to do with a baby’s developing digestive system. Their gut is still maturing, and that can lead to discomfort, gas, and crying spells that seem to go on forever.

Why Gut Health Starts Now

Did you know your baby’s gut microbiome begins developing from the very first days of life? This little internal ecosystem plays a big role in digestion, immune strength, and even brain development.

Supporting gut health early on, by offering a variety of real, whole foods, can help lay the foundation for a healthier tummy and a more adventurous eater down the line. And for babies dealing with colic or general digestive discomfort, food can be one of the gentlest tools in your toolbox.

Soothing Ingredients Found in Nature (and in Our Pouches)

Here are a few of the real-food ingredients known for their tummy-friendly properties. many of which you’ll find in our globally inspired, nutritionist-crafted baby food blends:

• Ginger – A natural digestive soother found in our Apple & Ginger pouch.
• Turmeric – Mild and anti-inflammatory, it’s part of our Squash & Kale with Turmeric blend.
• Fennel – Traditionally used to ease gas and bloating; featured in Beets, Fennel & Kale.
• Mint – Refreshing and soothing for digestion; try it in Peas & Mint.
• Warming spices like paprika and curry, used gently in Mango Paprika and Curry Vegetable Mango, can help stimulate digestion and introduce baby to beautiful, diverse flavors.

These blends are thoughtfully designed to support your little one’s growth, exploration, and yes, even gut comfort.

Tips for Supporting a Happier Baby Belly

In addition to choosing gut-friendly ingredients, here are a few small shifts that can help ease digestive woes:

• Go slow with new foods. Introduce one new flavor at a time and watch for any reactions.
• Keep a food + fuss journal. Tracking what your baby eats and how they feel afterward can offer surprising insight.
• Create a calming mealtime environment. Babies pick up on stress, yours included!
• Tummy time and baby massage can help ease gas and get things moving.
• Breastmilk or formula remains key, but real food complements it beautifully when introduced with care.

And of course, always check in with your pediatrician if colic symptoms are severe or persistent.

One Parent’s Turning Point

"I felt like I had tried everything. Rocking, swaddling, switching bottles, bouncing on a yoga ball until my knees gave out," one parent shared with us.

"Then I started paying closer attention to what we were feeding him. When we began introducing simple blends with ingredients like ginger and fennel, I noticed the evenings felt a little more peaceful. Not perfect, but better. And I’ll take better any day."

Little shifts like these can make the evenings calmer, the feedings smoother, and the snuggles a bit longer.

Gentle Nourishment, One Pouch at a Time

At Kekoa Foods, we’ve poured our hearts into creating baby food that’s more than just “good enough.” Our blends are packed with real veggies, herbs, and spices, with no added sugars or preservatives. Just flavorful, nutrient-rich foods that support babies’ growth and gut health.

Our pouches are free from dyes, artificial preservatives, and anything fake. Just real, wholesome ingredients you can recognize, and nutrients your baby’s body can actually use.

You’re Doing Great

Colic is tough. So is navigating first foods. But you’re showing up, doing your best, and choosing foods that nourish your baby from the inside out, and that’s something to be proud of.