Colic usually starts a few weeks after birth, peaks around 6 weeks, and typically resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months of age, though some babies might experience it up to 6 months. It's a temporary, self-limiting condition that doesn't cause long-term problems, but it's very stressful for parents, so consulting a doctor for diagnosis and coping strategies is important.
Colic is most common in the first 6 weeks of life, and it usually subsides by 3 to 4 months of age. However, it's not unusual for it to stick around a few months longer. There's no need to panic if your baby's still dealing with colic at 5 or 6 months old.
Things you can try to soothe your baby
Colic is often defined by the “rule of three”: crying for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for longer than three weeks in an infant who is well-fed and otherwise healthy.
Causes
Causes of colic may include any of the following: Pain from gas. Hunger. Overfeeding.
Changing how your baby is fed and using different calming methods can help to soothe a colicky baby. Colic goes away on its own, sometimes by age 3 months. In most cases, it is gone by age 6 months.
Reflux. Reflux and colic are closely related and are often confused. Reflux can also be caused by oversupply and both are more often a problem when a baby is given large feeds with long gaps in between. A baby who has reflux often spits up milk and cries more when he is lying down or is in a car seat.
Spotting the difference between colic and gas involves paying attention to patterns. Colic tends to show up as intense crying around the same time each day, happening at least three times a week for a minimum of three weeks. Gas, though it may cause fussiness, lacks the predictable rhythm of colic cries.
Certain foods can help ease colic symptoms in babies, while others may trigger discomfort. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and acidic foods, which can cause gassiness, restlessness, or digestive issues.
With the exception of three infants, the pacifier was successful in relieving the irritability and crying of the infant and in causing a cessation of the symptoms of colic.
The cry associated with colic is typically louder and more urgent and is sometimes described as screaming. Less than 10% of infants with excessive and inconsolable crying have an organic cause, and standard soothing techniques are often ineffective. Most infants resolve colic spontaneously, with no lasting effects.
Best Sleeping Position for a Colic Baby: Flat on Their Back
Colic can sometimes be caused by gas and digestive discomfort, so taking steps to improve your baby's digestion before putting them to sleep on their back can allow for better-quality, longer sleep.
A baby suffering from Silent Reflux will often have bouts of unexplained crying and show obvious signs of discomfort. They may also suffer from: gagging and choking episodes. hold their breath and have episodes of sleep apnea.
TAKEAWAY Excessive crying and fussiness can be distressing for both you and your baby. Fortunately, colic symptoms typically improve by the age of 3 months, so it will get better. While gripe water has not been shown to be a definitively effective alternative for soothing colicky babies, it is generally safe.
Soothing strategies may include:
Common signs of colic include: Check for the 3-3-3 rule: If a baby cries more than three hours a day, three days a week, for over three weeks. Tightening of abdominal muscles or drawing knees toward the stomach.
Colic is when your baby's healthy but cries often and excessively and it's hard to soothe them. One of the possible reasons is bubbles of trapped wind causing stomach pain.
When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic, it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.
Sometimes a baby with colic will find it soothing to suck on a dummy between feeds. If you decide to give your baby a dummy, it's better to wait until breastfeeding is well-established and he is gaining weight well. You will also need to follow manufacturer's guidelines on cleaning and replacement.
There are five types of digestive colic: spasmodic, impaction, incarceration, displacement, and excessive fermentation. Spasmodic colic is the mildest and most common. It is associated with over-excitement or sudden feed changes. It generally responds well to modest medical treatment.
Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees and gently rub their back. The pressure against their belly may help comfort them. If they fall asleep this way, place them in their crib on their back. You can also try some baby massage strokes that help with colic.
Baby colic causes may include: Belly (abdominal) pain or discomfort from gas due to air swallowed while nursing or crying. Reflux (bringing up) of stomach contents. Food allergies.
When colic symptoms occur, fill provided measured oral dispenser up to 1/2 teaspoon and dispense slowly, drop-by-drop into mouth between cheek and gums. A measured dispenser such as the NumiMed that we offer (or the like) can also be used in place of the blue dropper, to administer Colic Calm.
Aptamil Comfort Stage 1 and Stage 2 are for babies with gas, colic, or constipation. It uses partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose to make digestion easier from the first bottle. It's a go-to formula for gassy babies who need help settling their stomach without switching to a fully hypoallergenic blend.