Published - February 22 Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Every evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., my son screamed. Not cried—screamed. Nothing helped. I walked miles bouncing at him, tried every hold, every sound. Some nights, I sobbed with him. At 12 weeks, it stopped as suddenly as it started. Baby Colic is hell.
If you're in it, you need to
hear this: it's not your fault, it will end, and you're going to survive this
even though it doesn't feel like it. Here's everything that might help—and what
won't.
Colic is one challenging newborn phase—explore our complete newborn health guide for all health and
care topics.
What Is Baby Colic?
Definition (Rule of Threes)
Baby colic is defined by the "rule of threes":
- Crying for 3 or
more hours per day
- At least 3
days per week
- For 3 or
more weeks
- In an otherwise
healthy baby
This isn't just normal fussiness. It's intense, often inconsolable crying
that happens despite your baby being fed, changed, and not sick.
How Common (20-25% of Babies)
Colic affects about 20-25% of babies. It doesn't discriminate. It happens
to breastfed and formula-fed babies equally. First babies and fifth babies.
Boys and girls. Your parenting didn't cause it.
Not Your Fault
Let's be crystal clear: You did not cause your baby's colic.
You're not doing something wrong. You're not a bad parent. Colic happens to
babies of amazing parents who are doing everything right.
When Colic Starts and Ends
Starts - Usually 2-3 weeks after birth.
Peaks - Around 6 weeks (the worst part).
Improves - By 3 months.
Ends - Typically by 4 months
Knowing this timeline helps. When you're at week 7 in the thick of it,
you typically, urself: "One more month. Just one more month."
Recognizing Baby Colic
Intense, Inconsolable Crying
Colic crying differs from normal crying. It's intense, piercing, and
nothing you do makes it stop. You've fed baby, changed baby, held baby, walked
baby—and they're still screaming.
Learning to recognize different types of crying—colic crying has a
distinct, intense quality.
Clenched Fists and Tensed Body
During colic episodes, the baby's whole body tenses up. Fists clench
tight. Arms and legs pull in. The entire body seems rigid with distress.
Red Face, Arched Back
Baby's face turns bright red from crying. Back arches. It looks like the baby
is in serious pain, which is terrifying for parents.
Pulling Legs to Chest
Many colicky babies pull their legs up to their chest repeatedly, which
often makes parents think it's gas pain. It might be, but it's not the whole
story.
Crying at Predictable Times (Usually Evening)
The "witching hour “for many babies, colic happens concurrently
every day, usually in the evening. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. is a common time. Some parents
can set their watch by when crying starts.
Distinguished colic from normal evening cluster feeding
patterns—both involve fussiness, but differ in intensity and duration.
Baby Otherwise Healthy
Here's the key: when the baby isn't crying, it's fine. They eat well. They
gain weight. They have normal alert periods. They're developing normally. Baby
colic doesn't mean anything is mistaken with your baby's health or future.
Colic crying differs from normal sleep resistance; it's more
intense and lasts for hours.
Colic vs. Other Issues
Colic vs. Normal Crying
Normal crying: Stops when you address the need (feed, change, hold). Colic - Continues for hours despite meeting all needs
Colic vs. Reflux
Learn to differentiate between colic and reflux symptoms, such as arching,
spitting up, and feeding aversion. Reflux babies often:
- Spit up a lot
- Refuse to eat
- Cry during and
after feeding
- Have trouble
gaining weight
Colic babies cry intensely but eat well and gain weight normally.
Colic vs. Gas
Understanding gas vs. colic helps target the right
interventions—they're related but not the same. Gas causes discomfort. Colic is
intense crying that may cause gas (from swallowing air while crying), but gas
doesn't cause colic.
Colic vs. Milk Allergy
Milk protein allergy symptoms include:
- Blood in poop
- Severe eczema
- Fussiness ALL
day (not just evening)
- Poor weight
gain
- Vomiting
True colic - intense crying, but the baby is healthy otherwise.
Colic vs. Illness
Know when crying signals illness versus colic—fever, lethargy,
poor feeding require evaluation. Illness includes: fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
refusing to eat, extreme lethargy, and not waking to feed.
When It's Not "Just Colic"
If the baby has other symptoms beyond crying—fever, poor feeding, blood
in stool, not gaining weight—get medical evaluation. Don't assume everything is
"just colic."
What Causes Baby Colic? (We Don't Really Know)
Theories
Honestly, we don't know what causes baby colic. Theories include:
Immature digestive system - Maybe the baby's gut is still
learning to process food, and this causes discomfort.
Overstimulation/sensory overload - Perhaps some babies get overwhelmed
by stimulation during the day and melt down in the evening.
Immature nervous system - A baby's nervous system might not
regulate well yet.
Normal developmental phase - This might just be a stage some
babies go through.
Combination of factors - Probably multiple things together.
What Doesn't Cause Colic
Not bad parenting - You didn't do this.
Not something you're doing wrong - Even perfect parents have colicky
babies.
Not necessarily related to feeding method - Breastfed and
formula-fed babies get colic equally.
The Colic Timeline
Typically Starts 2-3 Weeks
Most babies don't have colic from birth. It starts around 2-3 weeks of
age.
Peaks Around 6 Weeks
Week 6 is usually the absolute worst. The crying is the longest and most
intense. If you're there now, you're in the hardest part.
Improves by 3 Months
Around 3 months, most babies improve significantly. Crying episodes get
shorter, less frequent, and less intense.
Resolved by 4 Months (Usually)
By 4 months, most colic is completely gone. Baby is a different
baby—happy, content, normal.
Why Knowing Timeline Helps
When you're in hour 3 of screaming at week 7, knowing "this ends in
5 weeks" helps you survive. It gives you a light at the end of the tunnel.
Soothing Techniques That May Help
Nothing "cures" baby colic, but these techniques help
some babies sometimes -
The 5 S's (Swaddle, Side, Shush,
Swing, Suck)
Dr. Harvey Karp's method helps many babies:
- Swaddle - Wrap baby
snugly
- Side/stomach
position - Hold baby on side or stomach (not for sleeping)
- Shush - Loud white
noise
- Swing - Rhythmic
motion
- Suck - Pacifier or
nursing
White Noise
Loud white noise—like a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, or white noise
machine on high. Needs to be LOUD to work.
Motion (Rocking, Bouncing, Walking, Car Rides)
Constant motion helps some babies. Rock vigorously, bounce on an exercise
ball, walk around the house, drive around the block. Some parents walk miles
every night.
Colic Hold/Gas Hold
Hold baby face down along your forearm, head in your hand, legs
straddling your elbow. This position can be comforting.
Warm Bath
A warm bath calms some colicky babies. Even if it only helps for 10
minutes, that's 10 minutes of peace.
Pacifiers
Some colicky babies need constant sucking. A pacifier can help.
Skin-to-skin contact
Hold the baby against your bare chest. The warmth, heartbeat, and closeness
comfort some babies.
Change of Environment
Sometimes going outside, changing rooms, or changing who's holding the baby
helps reset things.
Baby Wearing
Wearing a baby in a carrier while you move around can provide constant
motion and closeness.
What rarely works
Gas Drops (Limited Evidence)
Gas drops (simethicone) have limited scientific evidence. They don't cure
colic. They might help a tiny bit with gas discomfort, but don't expect
miracles.
Gripe Water (Not FDA Regulated, Inconsistent)
Gripe water isn't FDA-regulated. Ingredients vary by brand. Some contain
alcohol (avoid those). Most parents report it doesn't help colic, though some
swear by it.
Dietary Changes (Unless True Allergy)
For most colicky babies, eliminating foods from the breastfeeding mom's diet
doesn't help. Only try this if the doctor suspects milk protein allergy (with other
symptoms like blood in stool).
Special Formulas (Usually)
Switching formulas rarely helps true colic. It might help if the baby has
reflux or a milk allergy, but that's not the same as colic.
Chiropractic/Craniosacral (No Evidence)
There's no scientific evidence that chiropractic adjustments or
craniosacral therapy help colic. Save your money.
Medical Evaluation
When to Call a Doctor
Get an evaluation if:
- Crying started
suddenly and is severe
- Baby has a fever
- Baby won't eat
or is losing weight
- Vomiting,
diarrhea, or blood in stool
- Baby seems to
be in pain (not just crying)
- You need
reassurance that it's "just" colic
Ruling Out Medical Causes
Your pediatrician will check for -
- Reflux
- Milk protein
allergy
- Ear infection
- Intestinal
issues
- Other causes of
pain
What a Pediatrician Will Check
The doctor will examine the baby thoroughly, ask about symptoms, check
weight gain, and may order tests if concerned about specific issues.
When Testing Is Needed
If the baby has symptoms beyond crying—poor weight gain, blood in stool,
vomiting—testing may be needed. Pure colic doesn't require tests.
Feeding Modifications to Try
Smaller, More Frequent Feeds
Instead of large feeds, try smaller amounts more often. This may reduce
digestive discomfort.
Burping Frequently
Burping babies often during feeding reduces swallowed air.
Paced Bottle Feeding
If bottle-feeding, use the paste feeding technique to slow down milk flow
and reduce air swallowing.
Eliminating Dairy (Breastfeeding Moms—If suggested)
Only try this if your doctor suspects milk protein allergies. Don't
randomly eliminate foods—it rarely helps pure colic.
Hypoallergenic Formula Trial (If recommended)
If the doctor suspects a milk protein issue, they may suggest trying a hypoallergenic
formula for 1-2 weeks.
What NOT to Change Without Guidance
Don't randomly switch formulas, eliminate multiple foods, or make major
changes without a doctor's input. This rarely helps and adds stress.
Surviving Colic - Parent Mental Health
Normal to Feel Overwhelmed, Angry, Desperate
Hours of inconsolable crying trigger intense emotions. Frustration.
Anger. Desperation. Helplessness. Guilt. These feelings are completely normal. Experiencing those emotions doesn’t make you an unfit
parent.
Colic mushrooms parental stress—protecting your mental
health is critical during this phase.
Taking Breaks (It's Okay to Put Baby Down Safely and Walk Away)
When you're at your breaking point:
- Put the baby in the crib (safe place)
- Walk into
another room
- Take 5-10
minutes to breathe
- Baby will be
fine crying in the crib
This is not abandonment. This is survival. This is smart parenting.
Tag-teaming with Partner
If you have a partner, take shifts. One person handles 6-8 p.m., the other
handles 8-10 p.m. Trade off nights. Don't try to suffer through it together
every night.
Accepting Help
If someone offers to hold the baby for an hour, say YES. Take a shower.
Take a nap. Leave the house. You need breaks.
Recognizing Postpartum Depression/Anxiety
Prolonged, inconsolable
crying can signal postpartum depression—stay alert to warning signs and seek
support. Signs include:
- Feeling
hopeless
- Not bonding
with the baby
- Thoughts of
harming yourself or your baby
- Extreme anxiety
- Can't sleep
even when the baby sleeps
Get help immediately if you're experiencing these.
Never Shake Baby
NEVER shake your baby. Shaking can cause brain damage or
death. If you feel that urge, put the baby down safely and walk away
immediately. Call someone for help.
Resources and Support
Colic Support Groups
Online support groups for parents of colicky babies help you feel less
alone. Hearing "me too" from other parents helps.
Partner Communication
Talk to your partner about how you're feeling. Don't suffer in silence.
Work together to survive this phase.
Professional Help for Mental Health
If you're struggling, talk to your doctor. Therapy helps. Medication
helps. Getting support is not a weakness; it's a strength.
Temporary Childcare/Relief
Hire a mother's helper for a few hours. Ask family to help. Use
postpartum doula services. Get breaks however you can.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
This Phase Ends
Baby Colic Ends. Usually by 4 months, sometimes by 3 months. It feels endless, but it's
not. You will get through this.
No Long-Term Effects on Baby
Colic doesn't damage your baby. It doesn't mean the baby will have behavioural
problems. It doesn't affect development. When colic ends, the baby is perfectly
normal and healthy.
You're Doing Your Best
You're surviving one of the hardest phases of parenting. The fact that
you're reading this, trying to help your baby, shows you're a good parent.
It Gets Better (And It Will)
One day soon, your baby will smile. Will laughed. Will be content. The
screaming will be a memory. You'll survive this. I promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if it's colic or something medical?
A: Colic = intense crying, but baby otherwise healthy (eating, gaining
weight, alert periods, normal diapers). Medical issues usually include other
symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, poor weight gain, and lethargy.
When in doubt, get evaluated.
Q: Will changing my diet help if I'm breastfeeding?
A: For most colicky babies, no. Only try an elimination diet if the doctor
suspects milk protein allergy (symptoms: blood in stool, eczema, severe
fussiness ALL day). Random food eliminations rarely help true colic.
Q: Is colic caused by gas?
A: Not exactly. Babies with colic may swallow air from crying, causing
gas. But gas doesn't cause the colic—the crying comes first. Gas drops don't
cure colic, though they may help some babies feel slightly more comfortable.
Q: When will it end?
A: Most colic improves significantly by 3 months and is completely
resolved by 4 months. Peak is usually around 6 weeks. Mark your
calendar—knowing there's an endpoint helps mentally.
Q: Is it okay that I sometimes feel angry at my baby?
A: Yes. Hours of inconsolable crying trigger intense emotions, frustration,
anger, desperation, and helplessness. These feelings are normal. What matters
is that you never act on them (never shake a baby) and you get support for your
mental health.
Facing postpartum mental
health challenges while managing a colicky baby? Read our guide to
recognizing and treating postpartum depression.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not
a substitute for professional medical advice. Discuss colic concerns with your
pediatrician.
Sources:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Colic.aspx
2. Infantile Colic: Recognition and Treatment
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/1001/p577.html
