What colic is, how long it lasts, what can help, and the signs that crying needs a doctor instead.
In short
- Colic is a lot of crying, no clear cause.
- It usually stops by 3 to 4 months.
- A cry that sounds different needs an emergency call.
Is it colic?
She may have colic if she cries more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least 1 week, and is otherwise well. Colic crying often comes in waves. It stops for a moment, then starts again. Between times, she is well, feeding and growing. It often starts when she is a few weeks old. It is often worse in the afternoon and evening.
While she cries, she may clench her fists. She may go red in the face. She may pull her knees up or arch her back. Her tummy may rumble, or she may be very windy. It is hard to soothe her.
Colic affects about 1 in 5 babies, breastfed or formula fed. Nobody knows exactly what causes it. She may also cry from hunger, a dirty nappy, wind, reflux or constipation. If you are not sure, talk to your health visitor or doctor.
What helps and what does not
- Hold or cuddle her while she cries.
- Feed her sitting upright, so she swallows less air.
- Burp her after feeds.
- Rock her gently over your shoulder.
- Rock her in her Moses basket, or push her in the pram.
- Give her a warm bath.
- Try gentle white noise, like the radio.
- Keep feeding her as usual.
- If you breastfeed, you do not need to change your diet.
- Anti-colic drops, herbal and probiotic remedies are sold in shops. There is no evidence they help colic.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medicine.
- Do not try pressure on her spine or skull (spinal manipulation or cranial osteopathy). It may hurt her.
Looking after yourself
A colicky baby is upsetting and exhausting. It does pass with time. Ask family and friends for help, so you can take breaks.
If you feel stressed or angry, put her down safely in her cot. Walk away for a few minutes. Never shake her.
Talk to your doctor or health visitor if nothing you try helps. Talk to them if she still has colic after 4 months. Talk to them if she is not growing or gaining weight as expected. Talk to them if you are finding it hard to cope.
Other signs she may be seriously ill
- She is violently sick again and again: call your emergency number now
- The soft spot on top of her head is bulging: call your emergency number now
- She is 3 to 6 months, has not had a vaccine in the last 2 days, and her temperature is 39C or more: call your emergency number now
- Her temperature is below 36C: call your emergency number now
- She has had no wet nappy for 12 hours: call your emergency number now
- She is not feeding at all: call your emergency number now
- Her skin feels cold or clammy: call your emergency number now
- Her hands and feet are unusually cold: call your emergency number now
- She is 3 to 6 months, had a vaccine in the last 2 days, and her temperature is 39C or more: call your doctor now
