What Is Colic in Babies? Signs, Causes, Diagnosis and Soothing Strategies

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Answer

Colic is intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby with no obvious cause, defined as crying more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. It peaks at 4 to 6 weeks and resolves by 3 to 4 months. Call the provider for fever, forceful vomiting or blood in the stool. [1]

What the research says

• Probiotics may shorten crying time. According to PubMed, a meta-analysis of randomised trials in infants under 3 months with colic found that probiotics reduced crying by an average of 51 minutes per day (p = 0.001), and by 74.28 minutes per day in exclusively breastfed infants. Evidence for formula-fed and caesarean-born infants was limited. (Vaz et al., Acta Paediatr, 2024)

• Teaching parents soothing techniques may help. A Cochrane review pooling three studies (157 infants) found that parent training reduced crying time by an average of 113.58 minutes per day compared with control (95% CI −144.19 to −82.96), although the certainty of the evidence was low. The programmes mainly taught soothing techniques, and one taught kangaroo care. (Gordon et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019)

• Osteopathy and chiropractic did not reduce crying. A meta-analysis of five studies with 422 babies found that these treatments did not significantly decrease crying time compared with no intervention (mean difference −1.08 hours, 95% CI −2.17 to 0.01), and the quality of the evidence was very low. (Cabanillas-Barea et al., Acta Paediatr, 2023)

Key Takeaways

• Colic follows the "rule of 3s": Intense crying lasts more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks.[1]

• It starts and ends on a predictable timeline: It begins in the first weeks of life, peaks at 4–6 weeks, and ends by 3–4 months of age.[1]

• Between crying episodes, the baby is normal: Colicky babies eat well and gain weight despite the crying.[1]

• The exact cause is unknown: Gas, reflux, feeding patterns, sensory overload, an early form of migraine, and an immature digestive system are all suspected.[1]

• There is no cure, but it passes: Nothing you did as a parent caused colic, and babies outgrow it on their own.[1]

• Caregiver strain is a real complication: Colic has been linked to postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome, so reach out for help before you feel overwhelmed.[1]

What Is Colic?

Colic describes a situation where an otherwise healthy baby cries excessively for no clear reason. Often, nothing settles a colicky baby. The crying continues without any obvious cause, and the episodes resist the usual soothing tricks that work on a typical fussy infant.[1]

Healthcare providers use a practical definition to separate colic from ordinary fussiness. Colic is intense crying that meets all three of the following criteria, often called the "rule of 3s":[1]

• Duration per day: More than 3 hours of crying.

• Frequency per week: At least 3 days a week.

• Duration overall: More than 3 weeks.

The pattern matters as much as the volume. Colic crying usually starts suddenly at about the same time every day, most often in the afternoon or evening hours. Yet between episodes, the baby acts completely normal, feeding well and gaining weight as expected.[1]

Colic in newborns is harmless and passes quickly. What it is not harmless to is a parent's sleep, patience, and emotional reserves. The condition has been linked to postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome, which is why reaching out for help when you feel overwhelmed is part of managing colic, for your sake as much as your baby's.[1]

When Does Colic Start?

The timeline of colic is remarkably consistent from baby to baby, which is reassuring news for exhausted parents in the thick of it. Colicky crying typically begins within the first few weeks after birth. The crying then intensifies and peaks between 4 and 6 weeks of age, the period most parents describe as the hardest stretch.[1]

Just as predictably, the condition usually ends rather abruptly. In most cases, colic is over by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old.[1]

• Onset: Within the first few weeks after birth.

• Peak intensity: 4 to 6 weeks of age.

• Resolution: Usually ends by 3 to 4 months of age.

What are the symptoms and signs of colic in babies?

Colicky babies are healthy babies. What distinguishes them is repeated periods of inconsolable crying with no apparent reason, episodes that can last for hours at a time and resist comforting.[1]

Although colicky babies are often fussiest at the end of the day, crying episodes can happen at any time, and the fussiness is not tied to hunger or obvious discomfort. Even during a colicky phase, the infant continues to eat well and gain weight, an important clue that the crying is not caused by illness or underfeeding.[1]

The crying itself is often accompanied by physical signs that suggest genuine distress rather than ordinary fussing:[1]

• Clenched fists: Baby's hands ball tightly during episodes.

• Curled legs: Legs pulled up over the tummy.

• Arched back: Body stiffens and arches during crying.

• Hard, swollen belly: The abdomen feels firm and looks distended.

• Passing gas: Frequent flatulence during or after episodes.

• Grimacing: An active "painful" look on the face.

• Flushed face: The face turns bright red or a deeper shade after long crying.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

Researchers do not know the exact reason babies develop colic. Instead, several factors are thought to play a role, and any individual baby may be affected by one or a combination of them:[1]

• Swallowed air: Belly pain or discomfort from gas caused by air swallowed while nursing or crying.

• Reflux: Stomach contents coming back up irritate the baby (see our guide to reflux in babies).

• Food allergies: Reactions to components passed through milk or formula (see food allergy).

• Milk-protein intolerance: Sensitivity to proteins in breast milk or formula (see milk allergy).

• Feeding amounts: Underfeeding or overfeeding.

• Sensory overload: Overstimulation from lights, noise, or activity.

• Early migraine: Colic may be an early form of migraine headache.

• Emotional response: A reaction to frustration, fear, or excitement.

• Immature digestion: An underdeveloped digestive system that struggles to process feeds.

The sheer number of suspected causes is itself useful information: because colic has no single confirmed cause, no single treatment works for every baby, and a baby who ignores one soothing method may respond to another.

What complications can colic cause in babies?

Colic does not harm the baby's body, but it can harm the household. The overwhelming stress of hours of unsoothable crying can take a toll on first-time and experienced parents alike, and the condition has been linked to postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome.[1]

The guidance is unambiguous on one point: no matter how impatient or angry you become, don't shake your baby. Shaking an infant can cause blindness, brain damage or even death.[1]

If you are having feelings of depression or trouble managing your emotions, let your healthcare provider know. They can recommend ways to help.[1]

How Is Colic Diagnosed?

No medical test can diagnose colic, so it is recognized in other ways. In most cases, you can recognize it from the pattern of your baby's symptoms: intense, unexplained crying that follows the rule of 3s, with a healthy, thriving baby in between episodes.[1]

Keeping a simple record of your baby's daily rhythms helps you and your pediatrician confirm the pattern:[1]

• When crying spells occur: Reveals the consistent daily timing typical of colic.

• When your baby sleeps: Shows whether crying disrupts normal sleep patterns.

• What your baby eats and how often: Helps rule feeding-related causes in or out.

• When your baby poops: Provides context about digestion and overall health.

When you visit the pediatrician, they may perform a physical exam to rule out physical conditions that can mimic colic, such as esophageal reflux, infection, and allergy.[1] If those are excluded and the crying pattern fits, colic is the working diagnosis: a diagnosis built on a classic pattern rather than a lab result.

How Do You Soothe a Colicky Baby?

Colic has no cure, but feeding adjustments and comfort measures such as a pacifier, colic drops and skin-to-skin contact can help ease it. Since the causes are uncertain, most parents find success by trying several approaches and keeping what works for their baby.[1]

Feeding Adjustments

If you're breastfeeding, keep track of everything you eat and drink in a food journal. You pass everything you consume on to your baby, and some of it can affect them. You may have to stop eating:[1]

• Milk products

• Caffeine

• Chocolate

• Nuts

• Onions

• Cabbage

• Any other potentially irritating foods identified through your food journal

Always ask your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, and ask whether any of your medications should be avoided while breastfeeding.[1]

If you're feeding formula, your baby may be sensitive to certain proteins, and trying a different brand or a specific kind of formula, chosen with your pediatrician's guidance, can help. Other feeding adjustments worth trying include offering smaller meals more often while avoiding feeding too quickly or too much.[1]

Comfort Measures

Beyond feeding, a long menu of comfort techniques is available, and the right approach for your baby may be a combination of several:[1]

• Pacifier: Some breastfed babies refuse it, but others get instant relief.

• Infant colic drops (simethicone) or colic remedies: Can help relieve gas.

• Skin-to-skin contact: Calming close-hold contact, sometimes called kangaroo care.

• Rocking: In a rocking chair or in your arms, swaying side to side.

• Gentle touch: Stroking your baby's head or patting their back or chest.

• Swaddling: Wrapping snugly in a receiving blanket.

• Voice and sound: Singing, talking, or playing soft music.

• Motion: Walking with the baby in your arms or a stroller, or riding in the car with the baby properly secured in their car safety seat.

• Rhythmic noise and vibration: Replicates the constant motion and sound of the womb.

• Burping: Releases trapped gas bubbles.

• Warm baths: Most babies like them, but not all.

• Calm environment: Quiet voices and turning off electronics like TVs and phones.

When Should You Call Your Baby's Healthcare Provider?

Colic crying is intense but not dangerous. Other symptoms are not part of colic, and they are the reason to call. Contact your baby's healthcare provider if your baby stops gaining weight or shows dramatic changes in behavior.[1]

Call sooner, and urgently, if any of the following appear:[1]

• Fever: Suggests infection, not colic.

• Forceful vomiting: Especially if green in color or containing blood.

• Diarrhea: Outside the pattern of a healthy colicky baby.

• Blood in the poop: Requires prompt medical evaluation.

What is the outlook for babies with colic?

Although a bout of colic can be frightening to watch, especially for first-time parents, it is not harmful to your baby's health. Babies with the condition eventually outgrow it, and colic typically ends by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. It has no long-term effects on your baby.[1]

How can parents care for themselves while their baby has colic?

Colic is a short-lived issue with no long-term effects on your baby, but that does not make it any easier on you. It is hard to look after a newborn who will not stop crying, and feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is normal. Your emotions are valid.[1]

If the emotions are becoming too hard to handle, reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask them to watch the baby while you take a break. Get out of the house and clear your head. Give yourself time to calm down.[1]

If you do not have a trusted caregiver nearby, place your baby in a safe place, such as their crib, and leave the room. Your baby will be OK for a few minutes while you walk down the hall and take a breather. Remember: the crying won't last forever.[1]

How is colic in adults different from colic in babies?

When you hear the word "colic," infant crying usually comes to mind. But adults can get colic too, and it refers to something entirely different: pain in the intestinal or urinary system caused by a blockage.[1]

• Biliary colic: Abdominal pain due to a blockage in one of the ducts of the biliary tree.

• Renal colic: Intense pain between the ribs and hips (flank) due to a blockage in part of the urinary tract.

• Intestinal colic: Painful abdominal cramps due to a blockage in the large or small intestine.

Conclusion

Colic is one of the most common, most exhausting, and ultimately most temporary challenges of early parenthood. A healthy baby who cries more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks, often at the same time each evening, fits the classic pattern, and the crying usually ends abruptly by three to four months of age. While researchers have not pinned down a single cause, feeding adjustments, comfort measures like swaddling, rocking, skin-to-skin contact and warm baths, and above all a support network for the caregiver, make the colic phase survivable for the whole family.

Understanding your baby's patterns is easier when you can see them at a glance. Rinnit's medical infographics let parents and caregivers turn daily routines (feeding, sleep, crying spells, and milestone tracking) into clear, shareable visuals that make the colic months easier to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is colic in babies?

Colic is excessive, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby with no clear cause. Healthcare providers define it as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks.[1]

Is colic dangerous for my baby?

No. Colic is harmless and passes quickly. The crying is distressing to watch, but it does not damage your baby's health or development, and babies outgrow it on their own.[1]

When does colic usually start?

Colic typically begins within the first few weeks after birth. The crying then builds toward a peak between four and six weeks of age.[1]

When does colic usually end?

Colic usually ends rather abruptly when the baby is three to four months old.[1]

How do I know if my baby has colic?

Look for the pattern: intense crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks, with crying that often starts suddenly at the same time each day. Between episodes, the baby acts completely normal.[1]

What does colic crying look like?

Colicky babies cry intensely and resist comforting. Physical signs can include clenched fists, legs curled up over the tummy, an arched back, a hard swollen belly, passing gas, grimacing, and a face that turns bright red after long crying spells.[1]

Can colic happen at any time of day?

Colicky babies are usually fussiest at the end of the day, but crying episodes can happen at any time. There is no link between the episodes and hunger or obvious discomfort.[1]

Do colicky babies eat normally?

Yes. Although the infant is fussy and cries, colicky babies continue to eat well and gain weight. This is a key sign that the crying is not caused by illness or underfeeding.[1]

What causes colic?

Researchers do not know the exact cause. Suspected factors include gas from swallowed air, reflux of stomach contents, food allergies, milk-protein intolerance, underfeeding or overfeeding, sensory overload, an early form of migraine, emotional reactions, and an underdeveloped digestive system.[1]

Is colic caused by something the parents did?

No. Colic has nothing to do with your parenting. The exact cause is unknown, but it is not a result of how you feed, hold, or care for your baby.[1]

Is colic related to gas?

Gas is one suspected contributor. Belly pain or discomfort from air swallowed while nursing or crying may play a role, which is why burping and gas-relief drops are commonly suggested.[1]

Can formula cause colic?

Infants can be sensitive to certain proteins in formula. Switching to a different brand or a specific kind of formula, with your pediatrician's guidance, may help.[1]

Can breastfeeding cause colic?

Breastfeeding itself is not named as a cause, but you pass on what you eat and drink to your baby, and some foods, including milk products, caffeine, chocolate, nuts, onions, and cabbage, may affect some babies. A food journal can help identify triggers.[1]

Is colic related to reflux?

Reflux, meaning stomach contents coming back up, is one of several suspected factors in colic. A pediatrician can examine your baby to determine whether reflux or another physical condition is causing the fussiness.[1]

Can allergies cause colic?

Food allergies and milk-protein intolerance are suspected contributors. A pediatrician may check for allergy when examining a baby with colic-like crying.[1]

How long do colic crying episodes last?

Individual episodes can last for hours without stopping. The overall condition follows the rule of 3s: more than three hours of crying per day, at least three days per week, for more than three weeks.[1]

Can you cure colic?

There is no cure for colic. It resolves on its own, usually by three to four months of age.[1]

What is the rule of 3s for colic?

The rule of 3s defines colic as intense crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby.[1]

Will a pacifier help a colicky baby?

It might. A pacifier provides instant relief for some crying newborns, although some breastfed babies actively refuse it.[1]

Do colic drops work?

Infant colic drops, such as simethicone drops, and some natural colic remedies can help relieve gas. Ask your pediatrician which option is right for your baby.[1]

Can probiotics help colic?

Some research suggests they can. A 2023 meta-analysis of randomised trials found that probiotics reduced crying by an average of 51 minutes per day, with the biggest reduction in exclusively breastfed infants. Evidence in formula-fed babies is more limited, so talk with your pediatrician before giving any supplement.[2]

Does chiropractic or osteopathy help colic?

A 2023 meta-analysis of five studies involving 422 babies found that osteopathy and chiropractic treatment did not significantly reduce crying time compared with no additional intervention, and the evidence quality was very low.[4]

Can parent training programmes help with colic?

A Cochrane review found that parent training, which included soothing techniques, may reduce crying time, but the certainty of the evidence was low and larger, better-designed studies are needed.[3]

Does swaddling help colic?

Swaddling, which means wrapping the baby snugly in a receiving blanket, is one of several comfort techniques that may soothe a colicky baby.[1]

Does skin-to-skin contact help colic?

Yes. Skin-to-skin contact (sometimes called kangaroo care) is one of the recommended ways to comfort a colicky baby.[1]

Does rocking help colic?

Rocking, either in a rocking chair or in your arms while swaying side to side, is a commonly recommended soothing technique for colicky babies.[1]

Should I burp a colicky baby?

Burping can relieve trapped gas bubbles, which are one suspected contributor to colic discomfort, so it is worth doing during and after feeds.[1]

Do warm baths help colic?

Warm baths help most babies, though not all. If your baby relaxes in a warm bath, it is a reasonable tool during a fussy stretch.[1]

Does car motion help colic?

Riding in the car with the baby properly secured in their car safety seat is a listed soothing technique, along with walking in your arms or a stroller and rhythmic noise and vibration.[1]

Should I reduce noise for a colicky baby?

Using quiet voices and turning off electronics like TVs and phones can help reduce sensory overload, which is one suspected trigger for colic crying.[1]

Can sensory overload cause colic?

Sensory overload is one of the factors thought to play a role in colic, alongside gas, reflux, and other causes.[1]

Is colic an early form of migraine?

An early form of migraine headache is one of the suspected causes of colic, though researchers have not confirmed any single cause.[1]

How do I know the crying is colic and not illness?

Colicky babies eat well, gain weight, and act completely normal between episodes. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or stopped weight gain are not colic and need a provider's evaluation.[1]

When should I call the pediatrician about colic?

Call if your baby stops gaining weight, shows dramatic changes in behavior, or develops a fever, forceful vomiting (especially green or with blood), diarrhea, or blood in their poop.[1]

Can colic cause my baby to lose weight?

No. A colicky baby continues to eat well and gain weight. If your baby stops gaining weight, that is a sign to call the healthcare provider, as it is not typical of colic.[1]

Is colic linked to postpartum depression?

Yes. The overwhelming stress colic places on caregivers has been linked to postpartum depression, which is why reaching out for help is an important part of managing the condition.[1]

Is colic linked to shaken baby syndrome?

Yes. The stress of colic has been linked to shaken baby syndrome. Shaking an infant can cause blindness, brain damage, or death, so never shake your baby, and step away to calm down if you feel overwhelmed.[1]

What should I do if I feel like I might shake my baby?

Place your baby in a safe place such as their crib and leave the room. Your baby will be OK for a few minutes while you take a breather. Then reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider.[1]

How can I cope as a parent of a colicky baby?

Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for a break, get out of the house, and clear your head. Your emotions are valid, and help is available. Tell your healthcare provider if you are feeling depressed or struggling with your emotions.[1]

Does colic affect the baby's development?

No. Colic is a short-lived issue with no long-term effects on your baby.[1]

Can adults get colic?

Yes, but adult colic is a different condition: pain in the intestinal or urinary system caused by blockages, such as biliary colic, renal colic, or intestinal colic.[1]

What is biliary colic in adults?

Biliary colic is abdominal pain caused by a blockage in one of the ducts of the biliary tree.[1]

What is renal colic in adults?

Renal colic is intense pain between the ribs and hips (flank) caused by a blockage in part of the urinary tract.[1]

What is intestinal colic in adults?

Intestinal colic is painful abdominal cramping caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine.[1]

Is colic worse in the evening?

Colic crying usually starts suddenly at about the same time every day, most often in the afternoon or evening hours, though episodes can occur at any time.[1]

Why does colic start and stop when it does?

Researchers do not know the exact reason babies get colic. The typical timeline, with onset in the first weeks, a peak at 4 to 6 weeks, and an end by 3 to 4 months, describes what usually happens, not a guarantee for every baby.[1]

Can colic be prevented?

Because the exact cause is unknown, colic cannot be reliably prevented. The best preparation is knowing the signs, having soothing strategies ready, and building a support network for yourself.

Should I keep a diary for a colicky baby?

Yes. Recording when crying spells occur, when the baby sleeps, what and how often the baby eats, and when the baby poops helps you recognize the pattern and gives the pediatrician useful information.[1]

Will switching formula brands help?

It may, if your baby is sensitive to certain proteins in their current formula. Talk with your pediatrician about switching to a specific kind before making the change.[1]

Should I eat less when breastfeeding a colicky baby?

Not necessarily. Keeping a food journal of everything you eat and drink can help you and your provider identify any foods that may be irritating your baby, and you should ask your provider before making significant changes to your diet.[1]

Is colic the same as reflux?

No. Colic is a pattern of unexplained intense crying in a healthy baby, while reflux is a specific condition in which stomach contents come back up. Reflux is one possible cause a pediatrician will check for when evaluating colic.[1]

Can colic last longer than 4 months?

Colic typically ends by three to four months of age. If intense crying continues well past that point, ask your pediatrician to re-evaluate your baby.[1]

Related Reading

• Shaken Baby Syndrome Guide: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment — why you should never shake a baby, and what to do when you feel overwhelmed.

• Understanding Reflux in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, and Care — reflux is one of the possible contributors to colic-like crying.

• Milk Allergy: The Complete Guide — how milk-protein problems can affect babies.

• Food Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Complete Guide — an overview of food allergy signs and management.

• Kangaroo Care: Essential Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Your Baby — a calming technique often used for fussy babies.

• Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & When to See a Doctor — Complete Guide — diarrhea is a warning sign that is not part of colic.

• What Is Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment — support if the strain of caring for a colicky baby is affecting your mood.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Colic. Cleveland Clinic. Medically reviewed; last updated May 19, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10823-colic

2. Vaz SR, Tofoli MH, Avelino MAG, et al. Probiotics for infantile colic: is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Paediatr. 2024;113(2):170-182. PMID 37962097. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.17036

3. Gordon M, Gohil J, Banks SS. Parent training programmes for managing infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;12(12):CD012459. PMID 31794639. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012459.pub2

4. Cabanillas-Barea S, Jiménez-Del-Barrio S, Carrasco-Uribarren A, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis showed that complementary and alternative medicines were not effective for infantile colic. Acta Paediatr. 2023;112(7):1378-1388. PMID 37119443. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16807

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health, feeding, or behavior. Never delay seeking medical care because of something you have read here. If you ever feel at risk of harming your baby, place them safely in their crib, leave the room, and call for help immediately.