A baby who is fed, changed and still cries for hours every evening wears parents down. This pattern is typical of infant colic. This article explains the usual definition, ways to soothe a baby and signs that call for medical attention.
Why It Happens
The cause of colic is not clearly known. The MSD Manual describes the common “rule of threes”: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says roughly one in five infants has colic, describing it as crying or fussiness lasting about three hours at least three times a week. An immature digestive system and sensitivity to stimulation are suggested but unproven. A baby who feeds well, gains weight and is otherwise healthy is usually considered to have colic.
How It Differs by Age and Stage
Colic often begins around 2-3 weeks of age and tends to peak near 6 weeks. The AAP says it typically fades by 3-4 months but can last up to 6 months. Crying often clusters in the late afternoon or evening. Crying that starts suddenly after the first month, or comes with fever, vomiting, poor feeding or poor weight gain, is less likely to be colic alone and needs a doctor’s check.
What to Do at Home
HealthyChildren.org lists swaddling, rocking or carrying the baby in a carrier, low-volume white noise such as a fan, a pacifier, and holding the baby tummy-down across your knees while gently rubbing the back. Tummy-down holding is only for when the baby is awake and held; always lay a sleeping baby on the back. Spacing feeds about 2-2.5 hours apart, measured from the start of one feed to the next, helps avoid overfeeding. Gas drops (simethicone) have not been shown to help colic. If you feel overwhelmed, place the baby safely in the crib for a few minutes or ask another adult to take over. Never shake a baby, because shaking can cause serious brain injury.
Common Misunderstandings
Many parents blame themselves, but colic is not caused by parenting. Others rely on gas medicine or belly massage, though evidence of benefit is limited. Some breastfeeding parents cut many foods from their diet without guidance, which is better discussed with a clinician first. And feeding at every cry can overfeed a baby and add to discomfort.
When to Seek Care
The AAP advises calling the doctor if crying is nonstop for more than 2 hours, the baby cannot be comforted, looks unusual, feeds poorly or is not gaining weight. Go to the emergency room right away for a fever in a baby under 12 weeks old, repeated or green vomiting, a bulging soft spot, crying when touched or moved, blood in the stool, trouble breathing or a limp, unresponsive baby. If you ever fear you might hurt your baby, lay the baby down safely and call for help. This information is based on U.S. sources; if you live elsewhere, check with a local pediatrician. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.