One of the most difficult experiences for new parents can be hearing their baby cry for hours and not knowing how to help. While crying is normal some babies experience colic, which is a period of intense and frequent crying without an obvious cause. Colic is common and usually temporary, but it can be exhausting and stressful for both babies and their parents. About 1 in 5 infants experience colic, and it typically begins within the first few weeks of life and improves by around 3–4 months. Understanding what colic looks like, what parents can do to soothe their baby, and when to seek medical attention can help families feel more confident during this challenging stage.
What Is Colic?
- Colic is described as frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
- A commonly used definition is crying for three or more hours a day, at least three days a week.
- Crying may be more intense during the afternoon or evening.
- Babies experiencing colic may:
- Clench their fists.
- Pull their knees toward their stomach.
- Arch their backs.
- Become red or flushed while crying.
- Appear difficult or impossible to soothe.
- Have a tense stomach or appear gassy.
What Causes Colic?
The exact cause of colic is still not known. A lot of researchers believe multiple factors may contribute, including a baby's developing nervous system and difficulty regulating stimulation and calming themselves. It is important for parents to understand that colic is not caused by bad parenting. A baby with colic isn't crying because a parent is doing something wrong or not doing enough.
How Long Does Colic Last?
One thing to keep in mind about colic is that it usually doesn't last forever. Colic often begins during the first few weeks of life, but most babies improve by 3–4 months of age.Crying may become particularly intense during the early months, however, as babies mature, they generally become better at regulating themselves and communicating their needs.
Ways Parents Can Soothe a Baby With Colic
- Holding and cuddling the baby.
- Gently rocking or walking with the baby.
- Burping the baby during and after feedings.
- Keeping the baby upright during feeding.
- Using gentle white noise.
- Offering a pacifier if the baby uses one.
- Giving the baby a warm bath.
- Using safe swaddling for young babies who are not yet showing signs of rolling.
- Reducing bright lights and excessive noise when the baby becomes overstimulated.
When to Call the Doctor?
Although colic is usually harmless, excessive crying can sometimes be a sign of another medical issue. Parents should contact their baby's healthcare provider if they are concerned or if the baby:
- Is not feeding well.
- Is not gaining weight as expected.
- Has a fever.
- Is vomiting.
- Appears unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.
- Has difficulty breathing.
- Has a cry that doesn't sound like their usual cry, weak, or high-pitched.
- Cannot be consoled and seems to be in significant pain.
Parents should remember:
- You are not failing because you cannot immediately stop your baby's crying.
- Ask family members or trusted friends for help when you need a break.
- If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby on their back in a safe crib or bassinet and step away for a few minutes. Taking a short break while your baby is safely placed in their crib or on a safe, flat surface, is better than trying to care for them while you're feeling overwhelmed or irritated.
- This stage will pass!
