Understanding Colic in Babies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Last updated: January 2026

Quick Answer

Colic is extremely distressing but completely harmless - your baby is healthy, and this WILL end! Colic means intense crying for 3+ hours, 3+ days a week, in an otherwise healthy baby. It typically starts around 2-3 weeks, peaks at 6 weeks, and almost always resolves by 3-4 months. It is NOT your fault, and you are NOT doing anything wrong.

What is Colic?

Understanding the “Rule of 3s”

A baby is considered colicky if they cry:

• 3+ hours per day
• 3+ days per week
• For 3+ weeks
• In an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby

The Colic Timeline

Age	What Happens
2-3 weeks	Colic often begins
6 weeks	Peak intensity (worst phase)
8-12 weeks	Gradual improvement
3-4 months	Usually resolves completely

Reassurance: This is temporary. It feels endless now, but colic ALWAYS ends. Your baby will be fine, and so will you.

Symptoms of Colic

What Colic Looks Like

Crying Patterns:

• Intense, high-pitched crying

• Starts suddenly, often same time daily

• Usually evening hours (5-10 PM)

• Very difficult to soothe

• Can last for hours Physical Signs During Episode:

• Clenched fists

• Arched back

• Pulled-up legs

• Red face

• Tensed tummy

• Passing gas Important: Between episodes, baby appears completely normal, feeds well, and gains weight normally.

Colic vs. Normal Crying

Normal Crying	Colic Crying
Has clear cause (hunger, diaper, sleep)	No obvious reason
Responds to soothing	Very hard to soothe
Varies in timing	Usually same time daily
Short duration	Hours at a stretch
Baby calms with feeding/holding	Nothing seems to work

What Causes Colic?

The exact cause is unknown, but possible factors include:

Possible Contributing Factors:

• Immature digestive system

• Immature nervous system (overstimulation)

• Gut bacteria imbalance

• Gas and air swallowing

• Possible food sensitivities (via breast milk)

• Normal developmental phase What Colic is NOT:

• Your fault

• Bad parenting

• Sign of illness

• Due to something you did wrong

• Caused by “cold” foods (traditional belief)

Home Remedies That May Help

Soothing Techniques (The 5 S’s)

Technique	How to Do It
Swaddling	Wrap baby snugly (arms in) - mimics womb
Side/Stomach	Hold baby on side or tummy (not for sleep!)
Shushing	Loud “shhhh” sounds near ear
Swinging	Gentle rhythmic motion
Sucking	Breastfeeding, pacifier, or clean finger

Other Soothing Methods

Movement:

• Gently rock baby in arms

• Use a baby swing

• Go for a car ride

• Walk with baby in carrier

• Try a vibrating bouncer seat Sound:

• White noise (fan, vacuum sound app)

• Soft lullabies

• Your heartbeat (hold close)

• Shushing sounds Touch:

• Warm bath

• Gentle tummy massage (clockwise circles)

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Bicycle legs (gently move legs in cycling motion) Environment:

• Dim lights

• Reduce stimulation

• Quiet, calm space

• Fresh air (brief walk outside)

Indian Home Remedies

Traditional Practices That May Help:

• Hing (asafoetida) water - tiny amount in water for tummy (after consulting doctor)
• Warm compress on tummy
• Gentle oil massage (before the fussy period, not during)
• Ajwain water (after 6 months or as advised by doctor) Important: Avoid giving gripe water or janam ghutti before 6 months. Baby’s digestive system is too delicate.

For Breastfeeding Mothers

Foods That May Worsen Colic

Some babies react to foods in mother’s diet:

Consider Eliminating (One at a Time):

• Dairy products (most common)

• Caffeine (chai, coffee)

• Spicy foods

• Gassy foods (cabbage, cauliflower, beans)

• Onions and garlic How to Test:

• Eliminate one food for 1-2 weeks

• Watch if baby improves

• Reintroduce to confirm

• If no change, it’s not that food Reassurance: Most breastfeeding mothers can eat normal diet. Food sensitivity affects minority of babies.

Feeding Tips

• Feed baby before they get too hungry (crying = swallowing air)
• Burp frequently during feeds
• Keep baby upright after feeding
• Check latch - poor latch can cause air swallowing
• Don’t rush feeds

For Formula-Fed Babies

May Help:

• Try anti-colic bottles
• Check bottle nipple flow (not too fast)
• Burp more frequently
• Hold bottle at angle (nipple full of milk, not air)
• Ask doctor about switching formula (hypoallergenic if suspected sensitivity)

When to See a Doctor

Seek Immediate Care If:

• Fever (over 100.4F/38C)
• Blood in stool
• Forceful vomiting (not just spit-up)
• Baby not feeding at all
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
• Baby seems limp or unresponsive
• Significant change in crying pattern

Schedule Appointment If:

• You’re unsure if it’s colic or something else
• Baby isn’t gaining weight
• You’re struggling to cope
• Home remedies aren’t helping
• Baby has other symptoms (rash, diarrhea)
• You need reassurance

What Doctor Will Check

• Rule out other causes (infection, reflux, allergy)
• Confirm baby is growing well
• Assess your wellbeing too
• Possibly recommend probiotics or other treatments

Treatment Options

Medical Treatments (As Prescribed):

• Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri may help some babies)

• Simethicone drops (for gas)

• Hypoallergenic formula if suspected allergy

• Rarely, other medications What Doesn’t Work:

• Gripe water (not proven, may contain harmful ingredients)

• Herbal remedies (not tested for safety in infants)

• Chiropractic manipulation

• Changing formula repeatedly

Taking Care of Yourself

Parent Wellbeing is Crucial

You NEED to:

• Take breaks - put baby in safe place (crib) and step away

• Ask for help - from partner, family, anyone

• Sleep when you can

• Not blame yourself - this is NOT your fault

• Know it’s okay to feel frustrated Warning Signs of Overwhelm:

• Feeling like you might hurt baby

• Extreme anger or resentment

• Severe anxiety or depression

• Not able to cope at all If you feel this way: Put baby down safely and walk away. Call someone for help. This is normal to feel overwhelmed - it’s a sign you need support, not that you’re a bad parent.

Tips for Success

• Take turns - If two caregivers, alternate shifts
• Accept help - Let family hold the baby
• Use earplugs - Dampens the crying while you’re holding baby
• Go outside - Fresh air helps both of you
• Remember it’s temporary - Mark the calendar, count down
• Lower expectations - Survival mode is okay during this phase

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blaming yourself - Colic is not your fault
• Trying too many things at once - Try one remedy at a time
• Over-stimulating - Sometimes less is more
• Ignoring your own needs - You can’t pour from empty cup
• Giving multiple remedies - Stick with safe, simple methods
• Shaking baby - NEVER shake a baby, ever (can cause brain damage)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Mera baby roz shaam ko bahut rota hai - kya normal hai?

A: If baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, gaining weight, and this happens in the evening hours, it sounds like colic or the “witching hour.” It’s very common and VERY distressing, but it’s normal and will pass. The key question: Is baby fine between episodes? If yes, it’s likely colic.

Q: Colic kab tak rahega?

A: Most colic resolves by 3-4 months of age. It peaks around 6 weeks (feels like forever!) and then gradually improves. Mark your calendar for the 12-week mark - most parents see significant improvement by then. Every week brings you closer to the end.

Q: Kya maa ka khana colic ka kaaran hai?

A: For most babies, no. But some babies (minority) are sensitive to things in mother’s diet, especially dairy. If you suspect this, try eliminating dairy for 1-2 weeks and observe. Don’t eliminate everything - that’s not healthy for you or milk supply.

Q: Gripe water dena chahiye?

A: We don’t recommend gripe water before 6 months. Baby’s gut is too delicate for anything other than breast milk or formula. Many gripe waters contain unnecessary ingredients. If baby is over 6 months and you want to try, ask your pediatrician for a safe option.

Q: Main bahut stressed feel karti hoon - kya karun?

A: Your feelings are completely valid. Colic is HARD. Take breaks - put baby in safe place and step away. Ask for help. It’s okay to feel frustrated. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or having scary thoughts, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. This is temporary, and you will get through it.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Colic is one of the hardest phases of early parenting - but it ends. You’re doing great by seeking information and trying to help your baby.

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