Colic in Babies: Signs and What Helps
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Colic in babies means crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or more in an otherwise healthy baby. It often starts around 2-3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks and eases by 3-4 months (Mayo Clinic). The cause is unclear. Soothing helps; call your pediatrician to rule out illness.
TL;DR
- Rule of 3s: 3 hours, 3 days a week, 3 weeks.
- Peaks around 6 weeks; eases by 3-4 months.
- Check with your pediatrician; look after yourself too.
Colic in babies is exhausting and frightening, but it isn't caused by anything you did, and it passes.
Signs of colic
- Intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
- Crying that seems like pain: red face, clenched fists, legs pulled up
- Hard to soothe
- Otherwise feeding and growing normally
Soothing ideas
| Try | Notes |
|---|---|
| Holding, rocking, walking | Gentle rhythmic movement |
| White noise or shushing | Mimics the womb |
| Swaddling (until rolling) | Back sleeping only |
| Warm bath | Supervised |
| Paced bottle feeding, burping | Less swallowed air |
| Taking a break | Put baby down safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes |
The AAP and NHS suggest these approaches. Ask before trying drops, herbal remedies or switching formula.
When it's not colic
Call your pediatrician if crying comes with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher under 3 months), vomiting, poor feeding, blood in poo, a weak or high-pitched cry, or if your baby isn't gaining weight.
Look after yourself
Never shake a baby. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in the crib and take a few minutes. Ask a partner, friend or your doctor for help.
Tracking crying episodes
Logging feeds, sleep and fussy spells for a week can help your pediatrician. In Tot, log feeds and sleep and add notes.
Related: newborn first week · baby fever: when to call · baby feeding tracker · day-night confusion · how to track baby sleep · 1-month-old sleep schedule
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic: Colic, symptoms and causes: www.mayoclinic.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Colic Relief Tips for Parents: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Colic: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
How long does colic last?
It usually peaks around 6 weeks and eases by 3-4 months.
What causes colic?
No one knows for sure; theories include gut development, sensitivity and swallowed air.
Does changing formula help colic?
Sometimes, if there's a milk protein issue. Ask your pediatrician first.
Is colic a sign of reflux?
Not usually, but if your baby spits up a lot with pain or poor weight gain, ask your doctor.
Can breastfeeding cause colic?
Colic happens in breastfed and formula-fed babies alike.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
