Every evening, like clockwork, your baby starts crying, and nothing you do seems to help for hours. It is exhausting, upsetting and can make you doubt yourself. Baby colic is common, affects healthy babies who are feeding and growing well, and always passes. Here is what colic is, what can help and how to look after yourself through it.
Quick answer: baby colic
- Rule of threes: crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby.
- Usually starts at 2 to 3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months.
- Cause: unknown; it is not caused by anything you did.
- Focus on soothing, checking for other causes with your doctor and getting support for yourself.
Signs of colic
- intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
- crying that is hard to soothe
- clenched fists, red face, arched back or legs pulled up
- your baby is otherwise feeding well, gaining weight and seems healthy
Soothing techniques
- Hold your baby close, skin to skin or in a sling.
- Gentle motion: rocking, swaying or a walk in the pram.
- White noise or shushing.
- The colic hold: tummy-down along your forearm while awake.
- A warm bath and gentle tummy massage.
- Reduce stimulation: dim lights and quiet rooms in the evening.
- Burp well and check feeding technique. See baby gas relief.
See how to soothe a crying baby.
What about remedies?
- Gas drops (simethicone): not shown to work better than placebo.
- Probiotic drops: may reduce crying in some breastfed babies; ask your doctor.
- Changing formula: only on medical advice, for example if cow’s milk protein allergy is suspected.
- Gripe water and herbal remedies: little evidence; some contain sugar or alcohol.
Looking after yourself
Colic is hard on parents. Take turns with a partner, accept help, and take short breaks. If you feel overwhelmed or angry, put your baby safely on their back in the cot, leave the room and take a few minutes to calm down. Never shake a baby. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are struggling.
When to talk to your doctor
- crying that sounds different, high-pitched or weak
- fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in poo
- poor feeding, poor weight gain or fewer wet nappies
- crying with breathing difficulty or unusual sleepiness: seek urgent help
- you feel you cannot cope
Frequently asked questions
Is colic caused by my diet?
Usually not. Your doctor may suggest a trial without dairy if they suspect cow’s milk protein allergy.
Does colic affect development?
No. Babies with colic grow and develop normally.
Is colic linked to reflux?
They can look similar, but most crying babies do not have reflux. See baby reflux.
Sources
- NHS: Colic
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Colic Relief Tips for Parents
- ICON: Babies cry, you can cope
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby’s crying, contact your doctor.