PhysiologyReading time: 3 minutes

How to Recognize Colic and Help Your Baby

CategoryPhysiology
How to Recognize Colic and Help Your Baby

Medically reviewed by pediatrician Alexandra Zglavosiy

Colic is a temporary condition that usually resolves by 3–4 months of age. Your baby may pull up their legs, cry in the evening, and seem uncomfortable due to bloating. Swaddling, tummy massage, white noise, and holding upright can help. If there’s vomiting, fever, or refusal to eat, consult a doctor.

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What’s Inside

Quick takeaways

  • Colic is not a disease. It goes away by 3–4 months without consequences.
  • Symptoms: legs pulled up, hard tummy, red face, crying often in the evening. Between episodes, the baby eats and sleeps normally.
  • Worrying signs: vomiting, blood in stool, refusal to eat and weight loss, temperature over 37.5°C. See a doctor.
  • A pediatrician may prescribe probiotics — they can ease colic symptoms.

Evening crying without a reason may be colic

This condition is often described by the “rule of threes” — crying lasts:

  • more than 3 hours a day
  • at least 3 days a week
  • for a minimum of 3 weeks

Even though colic is distressing for both parents and babies, remember — it’s temporary and doesn’t affect long-term health or development.

The exact cause of colic is still unknown

Modern science considers several possible factors:

  • Immature digestive system
  • Increased gas from swallowing air during feeding
  • Sensitivity to proteins in breast milk or formula
  • Imbalance in gut flora
  • Sensitive nervous system

How to recognize colic

  • Intense crying, often at the same time (usually evening)
  • Red or purplish face during crying
  • Pulling legs up or arching back
  • Clenched fists
  • Bloated, hard belly
  • Hard to soothe with usual methods

But the baby eats well, gains weight, and seems content between episodes.

Special techniques to soothe your baby during colic

5S Method

  • Swaddling: tight but safe swaddle
  • Side/Stomach position: only when awake and supervised
  • Shushing: soft “shhh” sound
  • Swinging: gentle rhythmic movements
  • Sucking: breast, gloved finger, or pacifier

Tummy massage

  • Circular clockwise motions around the belly button
  • Bicycling legs
  • Gentle pressure with warm hand

Helpful positions

  • Tiger in the tree: baby on your forearm, head near elbow bend, gently rocking
  • Cradle hold: baby facing you, tummy against your body

Sounds and movement

  • White noise (hairdryer, vacuum, apps)
  • Fresh air walks
  • Car rides

Warmth

  • Bath or warm compress on belly (not hot, 37–38°C)

Pediatricians may recommend changing feeding for colic

If breastfeeding

  • Temporarily avoid irritants: dairy, spicy, legumes, cabbage, chocolate, citrus, coffee
  • Check latching technique
  • Feed from one breast until empty

If using formula

  • Ask about switching to hypoallergenic or anti-colic formula
  • Don’t over-shake the bottle

Colic is hard for both babies and parents

  • Take turns with your partner
  • Accept that sometimes babies cry despite all efforts
  • Ask friends or family for help
  • Rest while your baby sleeps
  • Remember: this is temporary — colic usually resolves by 3–4 months

Colic and fussiness are temporary and do not mean you’re a bad parent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Colic

At what age do baby colic symptoms usually stop?

Colic usually resolves by 3–4 months of age. Although the crying can be intense, colic is temporary and does not affect long-term development.

Why does my baby cry every evening?

Crying at the same time each evening can be a sign of colic. Babies may also pull up their legs, clench their fists, develop a hard tummy, and be difficult to soothe.

What helps soothe a baby with colic?

Swaddling, tummy massage, white noise, gentle rocking, and holding your baby upright may help reduce discomfort. Some babies also calm with sucking, such as breastfeeding or a pacifier.

When should I call a doctor about colic?

Contact a doctor if your baby has vomiting, blood in the stool, a temperature above 37.5°C, refuses to eat, or is losing weight. These symptoms are not typical of colic.

With care

Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.

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