If you're a new parent, few things are more stressful than a baby who cries all the time. When nothing helps, feeding, changing, rocking, it could be something called colic.
Colic happens in about one out of five babies. It means your baby cries a lot for no clear reason, often at the same time every day. This is usually late afternoon or evening. Some babies with colic also seem gassy, pull their knees up to their belly, or clench their fists.
No one knows exactly what causes colic. Some think it’s because a baby’s stomach or nervous system isn’t fully developed. Others believe some babies are just more sensitive to the world around them. There’s no test for colic. Doctors usually call it colic when there is no other reason for the crying.
Is colic gas?
Colic and gassiness are related but not the same thing. Gas can be part of colic.
Many colicky babies seem gassy:
- They may pass gas often.
- They might pull their legs up toward their tummy.
- Their belly may feel tight.
But doctors believe this gas may be caused by the crying, not the other way around. When babies cry hard, they swallow air, which can lead to more gas, creating a cycle of discomfort.
In short:
Gas can happen with colic, but colic is more than just gas.
No Quick Fix, Just Patience
The good news is that colic usually starts between 2 and 4 weeks of age and goes away by 3 or 4 months (not in all cases). It may feel like forever when you're in it, but it’s only a phase. Colic doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your baby’s health, and it won’t cause problems later on.
While some things might help for a short time, there’s no guaranteed way to stop colic. If something seems to work, chances are your baby was simply ready to settle down.
Track the Fussiness
Just because there’s no cure doesn’t mean you should ignore the crying. First, check for simple needs: is your baby hungry, tired, or in need of a diaper change? If you’ve tried everything and the crying continues, talk to your baby’s doctor to rule out things like allergies or reflux.
You can also keep a diary of when your baby cries to see if there’s a pattern. If you're breastfeeding, cutting out dairy or certain foods may help. Some babies react better to special formulas that are easier to digest.
Once you know it’s colic, do what you can to stay calm. Carry your baby in a soft carrier, go for a walk, or gently rock them. Crying is a baby’s way of communicating. Even if it doesn’t stop the crying, your baby knows you’re there and that helps.
Studies show that babies who are comforted instead of ignored cry less overall. Just being there makes a difference.
You Didn’t Cause This
Colic is not your fault. It’s not your baby’s fault either. Still, all the crying can make you feel helpless or guilty. That’s normal. But feeling stressed can make it harder to stay calm, and babies can pick up on that.
Try to take a deep breath. Loosen your shoulders. Smile at your baby even if they don’t smile back. It does help, little by little.
One mom who went through colic with both her kids says the best thing you can do is enjoy the rare moments when your baby is calm and cuddly. Those quiet times will come.
Things You Can Try at Home
Try new holds: Some babies like being swaddled snugly in a blanket. Others calm down when held close in a baby wrap. You can also try holding your baby face-down along your forearm, with their belly on your hand and head supported near your elbow.
Change the setting: Soft movement or steady sound may soothe your baby. A ride in the car, a walk in the stroller, or the sound of a fan, vacuum, or white noise machine might help. There are also crib gadgets that make car-like sounds and vibrations. You can even find white noise on YouTube.
Take a break: Ask a friend or family member to help, even for a little while. It’s hard to hear your baby cry, but others often don’t find it as upsetting. A short break can help you come back feeling more rested.
Colic Drops And Anti-Colic Massage?
Some parents try anti-colic massage or colic drops to help ease their baby's discomfort. Gentle tummy massages, leg movements (like “bicycle legs”), or rubbing in a clockwise circle around the belly can sometimes help move gas along and calm a baby. These massages won’t stop colic completely, but many parents say it helps during fussy moments.
As for colic drops, there are two common kinds: simethicone and probiotics. Simethicone is supposed to break up gas bubbles, but studies show mixed results; some babies seem to improve, others not at all. Probiotic drops (especially ones with Lactobacillus reuteri) have shown some promise in research, especially for breastfed babies. However, doctors say more studies are still needed to know for sure how well these work and which babies they help most.
Before trying drops or starting a massage routine, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor, just to be safe.
Colic can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t last forever. You’re not doing anything wrong. The most important thing is to be there for your baby and take care of yourself, too. This phase will pass, and calmer days are ahead.
