Overview
Colic describes frequent, prolonged, intense crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby, with no obvious cause. It typically starts in the first few weeks of life, often peaks around six weeks, and usually eases by three to four months. Though distressing for parents, colic is not harmful and the baby grows and develops normally.
Symptoms
- Intense crying for several hours, often in the late afternoon or evening
- Crying that is hard to soothe and seems unrelated to hunger or a wet nappy
- Clenched fists, arched back, or pulling legs up to the tummy
- A flushed face during crying spells
- Episodes occurring on most days for weeks
Causes & risk factors
- Exact cause is unknown
- Possible contributors include an immature digestive system and trapped wind
- Sensitivity to stimulation or difficulty settling
- Not caused by anything a parent has done wrong
Treatment & self-care
Care focuses on soothing techniques, feeding support, and reassurance, since colic improves with time on its own. A licensed clinician should review the baby to rule out other causes of crying and to support parents, especially if feeding or weight is a concern.
See a doctor urgently if
- Your baby has a fever, is vomiting, or has diarrhoea or blood in the stool
- Your baby is feeding poorly, not gaining weight, or has fewer wet nappies
- The cry sounds high-pitched, weak, or very different from usual
- Your baby is floppy, hard to wake, or struggling to breathe — emergency
- You feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or worried you cannot cope