Last updated: Nov 7, 2025Published on: Nov 7, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
If your little one cries for hours despite being fed, changed, and cuddled, you are not alone. Many parents experience this in the first few months of their baby’s life. It can be confusing and exhausting, especially when nothing seems to calm your baby down. The good news is that this phase is temporary and usually resolves on its own1.
In this blog, we will help you understand what colic is in babies, what signs to look out for, what might cause it, and the simple ways you can comfort your baby and care for yourself during this period.
What is Colic in Babies?
Colic is a common, yet puzzling condition seen in healthy babies during their first few months. It’s defined as repeated episodes of intense, inconsolable crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day, occurs on more than 3 days a week, and continues for at least 3 weeks2.
Colic usually begins when a baby is about 2 to 3 weeks old, peaks around 6 weeks, and gradually settles by about 3 to 4 months of age3.
It is very important to understand that this is not caused by poor parenting or any serious illness. In fact, colic affects up to 3 to 28% babies worldwide, regardless of whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed3.
Cry suddenly, intensely, and for no clear reason (often in the late afternoon or evening)
Have a high-pitched cry and look flushed or tense
Curl up their legs, clench fists, and tighten their tummy muscles during crying spells
Commonly present with abdominal distension during a colic episode
Sometimes pass gas or have a bowel movement near the end of the episode
These episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, and during these, your baby may be hard to soothe despite your best efforts.
What Causes Colic in Babies?
The exact cause of colic is not fully understood, which is what makes it so confusing for parents. However, an important thing to understand is that it is not your fault, and in most cases, it is not a sign of any serious illness. It is usually triggered by a combination of factors involving the baby’s digestion, development, and environment.
Here are some of the possible reasons your baby may have colic4:
Tummy Troubles (Gastrointestinal Factors): Many babies with colic seem to have tummy discomfort. Some possible digestive factors include:
Gas or bloating: Some babies may swallow air while crying or feeding, leading to gas buildup and discomfort.
Sensitivity to milk proteins: In rare cases, babies may react to proteins found in cow’s milk or even to certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet (like dairy, onion, or broccoli).
Lactose intolerance: Some infants may temporarily have trouble digesting lactose, the sugar in milk, leading to gas and fussiness.
Feeding-Related Issues: Feeding techniques might sometimes exacerbate colic. Overfeeding, underfeeding, feeding too quickly or an imbalance between foremilk and hindmilk ingestion, may all contribute to stomach discomfort and colic.
Hormonal Factors: Certain hormones in the baby’s gut, such as motilin and serotonin, may affect digestion and gut movement. Higher levels of these hormones could sometimes make a baby’s tummy more active and sensitive, leading to colicky behaviour.
Normal Brain and Emotional Development: Colic may simply be part of normal baby development. As newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, lights, sounds, hunger, and tiredness can all be overwhelming.
Family or Emotional Factors: Babies are sensitive to the world around them. Family stress, parental anxiety, or postpartum depression can sometimes contribute to longer crying spells in babies, though they don’t cause colic directly.
Remember: Colic does not mean you are doing something wrong as a parent. It is a common, temporary phase, and with support and patience, it passes.
Risk Factors for Colic
While colic can happen to any baby, certain factors may make it more likely. Babies with the following characteristics had a higher chance of developing colic1,3,5:
Younger age (under 5 months): Colic almost always appears in babies between 2 weeks and 4 months of age and typically improves by 3 to 4 months. It is very uncommon after 5 months.
Feeding with cow’s milk–based formula: Some babies may be sensitive to cow’s milk proteins, which might contribute to gas or discomfort.
Preterm birth: Babies born before full term are more likely to have colic.
Low birth weight: Smaller babies might be more prone to newborn colic symptoms.
Firstborn status: Colic may be more common in firstborn babies, possibly due to parental stress or feeding adjustments.
Maternal atopy (allergies): Babies born to mothers with allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever could have a higher risk.
Persistent nausea during pregnancy: Mothers who experience ongoing nausea might be more likely to have babies with colic.
Postpartum depression: High levels of maternal depressive symptoms after delivery are sometimes strongly associated with infant colic.
Others: Factors such as maternal anxiety and habits like smoking may indirectly contribute to colic. Poor feeding techniques may also increase the risk.
Diagnosing Colic
Colic is a clinical diagnosis based on a detailed history and physical exam to rule out other causes of excessive crying. The doctor reviews the infant’s feeding, stooling, sleeping patterns, and growth chart, and observes crying behaviour if possible.
Typical colic presents as sudden, high-pitched crying with abdominal discomfort, but the baby otherwise appears healthy and gains weight normally.
Abnormal findings suggesting other causes include a bulging fontanelle, thrush, otitis media, hernia, testicular torsion, blood in stools, diaper rash or signs of obstruction, infection, or injury.
Recurrent, prolonged crying or irritability without an identifiable cause
No fever, poor weight gain, or illness
If the exam is normal, no lab tests or imaging are needed. Additional evaluation is done only if symptoms suggest sepsis, reflux, cow’s milk allergy, or other medical conditions.
Complications of Colic
Although infantile colic is self-limiting, it can have several emotional and behavioural consequences for both infants and caregivers. Here are some possible effects of colic3,6,7:
Distressing: Although self-limiting, colic can be highly stressful for caregivers.
Overfeeding: Not knowing the exact reason for crying spells can lead to frequent and unnecessary feeding.
Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep in parents can lead to stress and loss of efficiency.
Parent–infant bonding issues: Persistent crying may strain the emotional bond and lead to early breastfeeding cessation.
Behavioural associations: Children with infantile colic may later develop preschool adaptive difficulties and behavioural problems.
Long-term risk: Infants with colic may have a higher likelihood of developing migraine by adolescence.
Severe consequence: Heightened risk of shaken baby syndrome (excessive violent shaking leading to brain damage) due to caregiver frustration and attempts to stop excessive crying8.
Infantile Colic Treatment and Management Options
Infantile colic usually resolves on its own, but various comforting and feeding strategies could help soothe the baby and support caregivers during this stressful period. While no single remedy works for every infant, caregivers may try different infantile colic treatment approaches to see what helps.
1. Comforting Techniques
Put baby in prone position.
Hold or cuddle your baby frequently to provide reassurance.
Rock your baby gently in your arms, a crib, or a stroller.
Swaddle your baby snugly in a soft blanket.
Sing or talk softly to your baby.
Use white noise (fan, vacuum, or soft music) to create a calming background.
Take your baby for a car ride or a gentle walk in a stroller.
Offer a pacifier for sucking comfort.
Place a warm towel on your baby’s abdomen for relief1,9.
2. Feeding and Positioning Tips
Keep your baby upright during and after feeds to reduce air swallowing.
Burp your baby frequently during and after feeding.
If breastfeeding, allow the baby to finish one breast before switching to ensure intake of hind milk, which is more soothing and satisfying.
For babies who overfeed or seem uncomfortable, offer one breast over a 2-to-3-hour period.
Avoid overfeeding or fast bottle feeding; feeding sessions should last around 20 minutes1,3.
3. Formula and Dietary Adjustments
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Some infants may be sensitive to cow’s milk protein. A trial of hypoallergenic or hydrolysed formula after consulting your doctor may help in such cases3.
If breastfeeding, mothers may try eliminating dairy, caffeine, or chocolate for a few weeks.
Lactase enzyme drops before feeding may help if lactose intolerance is suspected.
4. Caregiver Support
Take breaks, place the baby safely in a crib, and step away briefly if overwhelmed1.
Seek guidance from a health visitor, paediatrician, or lactation consultant.
Remember: Colic does not indicate illness and usually resolves by 3 to 4 months of age1,3.
Prevention Strategies
While colic cannot always be prevented, certain feeding practices and lifestyle adjustments might help reduce its occurrence or severity1,3:
Ensure proper feeding technique: Keep the baby upright during feeding and burp often to minimise air swallowing.
Avoid overfeeding: Feed on demand and at a calm, steady pace.
Use appropriate bottle nipples: Choose a slow-flow nipple to prevent fast feeding and air intake.
Maintain a calm environment: Avoid overstimulation by dimming lights, reducing noise, and maintaining a soothing routine.
Monitor maternal diet (if breastfeeding): Limit caffeine, dairy, nuts, and gas-producing foods if colic symptoms appear.
Avoid certain medications: Consult a doctor about drugs that may pass into breast milk.
Identify formula sensitivities: If formula-fed, discuss switching to hypoallergenic or lactose-free formula with your doctor.
Encourage bonding and responsiveness: Holding and responding promptly to your baby’s cues may reduce fussiness.
Educate and support caregivers: Providing reassurance and practical coping strategies can prevent frustration and reduce stress.
With time, patience, and proper support, colic typically resolves spontaneously by 4 to 5 months, leaving no lasting effects on the child’s health or development.
Infantile colic is a common, benign (not harmful), and self-limiting condition, yet it can cause significant distress for both infants and caregivers. While its exact cause remains unclear, factors such as feeding patterns, gut microbiota, and parental stress may contribute. Thus, early recognition, reassurance, and supportive care are key to management.
In most cases, newborn colic symptoms resolve by 3 to 4 months of age without long-term effects. However, persistent or severe crying should prompt medical evaluation to exclude underlying illness. Keep in mind that providing emotional support to caregivers is equally important to ensure the well-being of both the baby and the family.
There is no clear evidence that colic is genetic. However, some studies suggest that a family history of migraine may increase the likelihood of colic in infants11.
Are colic drops safe for newborns?
Colic drops, such as those containing simethicone, are generally considered safe for short-term use in newborns when used as directed. However, they may not work for all babies, and it is best to consult a paediatrician before starting any drops.
Can breastfed babies get colic?
Yes, breastfed babies can develop colic. It is not related to the type of feeding but may be influenced by factors such as an imbalance between foremilk and hindmilk, swallowed air, maternal diet, or the baby’s immature digestive system1,4.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for colic?
The “Rule of 3” (or 3-3-3 rule) describes colic as crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby3.
Banks JB, Rouster AS, Chee J. Infantile Colic. Treasure Island; [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; [cited 2023 Oct 29]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518962/
Mai T, Fatheree NY, Gleason W, Liu Y, Rhoads JM. Infantile Colic: New Insights into an Old Problem. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;47(4):829-844. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6659398/
Switkowski KM, Oken E, Simonin EM, Nadeau KC, Rifas-Shiman SL, Lightdale JR. Early-life risk factors for both infant colic and excessive crying without colic. Pediatr Res. 2025 Apr;97(5):1537-1545. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39242932/
Zeevenhooven J, de Bruin FE, Schappin R, Vlieger AM, van der Lee JH, et al. Follow-up of infants with colic into childhood: Do they develop behavioural problems? J Paediatr Child Health. 2022 Nov;58(11):2076-2083. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9804625/
Sillanpää M, Saarinen M. Infantile colic associated with childhood migraine: A prospective cohort study. Cephalalgia. 2015 Dec;35(14):1246-51. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25754178/
Barr RG. Preventing abusive head trauma resulting from a failure of normal interaction between infants and their caregivers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Oct 16;109 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):17294-301. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23045677/
Emami F, Kamrani K, Khosroshahi N. Association between maternal migraine and infantile colic: a narrative review. BMC Pediatr. 2025 Aug 4;25(1):591. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12320377/
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