Infant Colic: Causes, Symptoms, and Soothing Strategies

Babies cry a lot—and often for no obvious reason. But if your baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, colic may be the cause. Colic is not dangerous but can be exhausting for parents. Understanding the signs and safe soothing methods is key.

What Is Colic?

Colic is excessive, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy infants.
Episodes often start suddenly at the same time each day, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Outside these crying spells, babies behave normally.
Colic usually resolves on its own by 3–4 months of age.

When Does Colic Start?

Appears within the first few weeks of life.
Peaks at 4–6 weeks.
Resolves by 3–4 months.

Symptoms of Colic

A colicky baby may:

Clench fists tightly.
Pull legs up toward the belly.
Arch the back.
Have a firm, bloated tummy.
Cry for hours, often at the same time each day.
Pass gas frequently.
Show pained facial expressions or flushed face.

Possible Causes

Swallowed air while feeding.
Abdominal discomfort from gas or reflux.
Food sensitivity or cow’s milk protein intolerance.
Overfeeding or underfeeding.
Immature digestive system.
Sensory overload.
Emotional response to stress or frustration.
Rarely, an early form of migraine.

Complications for Parents

While colic doesn’t harm the baby, it can:

Cause stress, exhaustion, and frustration for caregivers.
Increase risk of postpartum depression.
Be linked to Shaken Baby Syndrome if parents lose control.

⚠️ Important: Never shake your baby. Shaking can cause blindness, brain damage, or even death.

How to Tell if It’s Colic

Keep a record of:

Crying episodes (time, duration, triggers).
Feeding schedule.
Sleep patterns.
Bowel movements.

Your pediatrician may do a physical exam to rule out reflux, infection, or allergies.

How to Soothe a Colicky Baby

Feeding Adjustments

If breastfeeding: track your diet. Avoid dairy, caffeine, chocolate, onions, cabbage, nuts, or other suspected triggers.
If formula-feeding: ask your pediatrician about trying a different formula.
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds.
Avoid overfeeding or rushing feeds.

Comforting Techniques

Offer a pacifier.
Gentle rocking or using a rocking chair.
Skin-to-skin contact.
Swaddling in a light blanket.
Soft singing or talking.
White noise or rhythmic sounds.
Car rides or stroller walks.
Warm baths.
Burping often to release trapped gas.
Gentle tummy massage or laying baby tummy-down across your lap.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:

Fever.
Persistent vomiting (especially green or with blood).
Diarrhea.
Blood in stool.
Poor weight gain or sudden behavior changes.

How Long Does Colic Last?

Colic is temporary—most babies outgrow it by 3–4 months.
While challenging, it does not affect long-term health.

Coping Tips for Parents

Take breaks—ask a trusted friend or family member to watch the baby.
If alone, place the baby safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes to calm yourself.
Go for a walk, clear your mind, and remind yourself: the crying will not last forever.

✨ Key Takeaway: Colic is stressful but harmless. With patience, soothing techniques, and support, both baby and parents will get through this temporary phase.