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Symptoms & Causes

Colic

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What is Colic?

What is Colic?

Colic is defined as frequent and intense crying in a healthy infant. Crying is normal for babies, but a colicky infant can cry for extended durations—more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, over a period of 3 weeks or more.

Colic can be frustrating for parents, as the extended baby’s crying seems to occur for no apparent reason. Fortunately, there are ways to help console your distressed infant and alleviate the stress of the situation.

Signs & Symptoms of Colic

Symptoms

A colicky baby will experience prolonged periods of fussiness and discomfort. Colic typically starts when an infant is two weeks old, with episodes commonly occurring during the evening.

The signs and symptoms of colic can include:

  • Extreme, unexplained crying. Unlike with “normal” crying, the colicky wailing will not be consoled by feeding, a diaper change, or a pacifier.
  • Intense fussiness, even after the crying has subsided.
  • Arched back
  • Stiffened arms and legs
  • Clenched fists
  • Tight or swollen abdomen.
  • Facial discoloration. Colicky crying can cause the face to redden or turn purple.
  • Facial grimace. Your baby’s face can contort into a painful expression, which can be distressing for parents.
  • Passing of gas
  • Routine frequency and duration. Colicky episodes occur around the same hour of the day or evening, lasting for about the same amount of time.

Thankfully, colic symptoms generally peak when the infant is six weeks old, decreasing in frequency after 3 to 4 months of age.

What causes Colic?

Causes

Colic occurs in approximately 1 out of 10 infants. Although a common condition, the exact cause of colic remains unknown and appears equally in both baby boys and baby girls

Theories as to why colic happens include:

  • Gas
  • Swallowing too much air when feeding or crying
  • Digestive system is still developing
  • Food intolerance or allergies, including a milk allergy
  • Overfeeding or underfeeding
  • Infrequent burping
  • Anxiety/adjusting to the world
  • Familial or caregiver stress

More to explore

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Risk factors for colic are not fully understood. Research has shown no elevated risk factors regarding the sex of the child, pre-term vs. full-term babies, or formula-fed vs. breastfed infants. Any baby can become colicky.

Complications

Complications

Colic eventually subsides on its own, with no short- or long-term medical consequences for the baby’s health.

Colic can be stressful for parents and caregivers, often causing anxiety or even resentment toward the crying baby. Resulting complications can include:

  • Loss of sleep for both parents and the baby.
  • Stress and anxiety for the parents.
  • Feeling of guilt or helplessness.
  • Overfeeding the infant in an attempt to soothe the child.
  • Increased risk for post-partum depression
  • Increased risk for shaken baby syndrome
  • Early cessation of breastfeeding

How to Manage Colic

How to Manage Colic

While there is no proven way to prevent colic, there are methods on how to manage or alleviate some of the symptoms and stress levels for you and your baby.

Tips to help a colicky baby include:

  • Walk with the baby in your arms, in a carrier, or in a stroller.
  • Go for a spin in the car. The motion of the automobile can help soothe your child.
  • Rock your infant gently side-to-side or in a rocking chair.
  • Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket.
  • Gently stroke the baby’s head
  • Burp the baby by lightly patting its back or chest.
  • Lay the baby face down across your forearm. Try holding the infant lengthwise with the stomach on your forearm, cradling the head in your hand. Rock and gently pat the back to help them release gas.
  • Play soft music or white noise
  • Sing or talk to your baby
  • Try a vibrating baby seat. Battery-operated baby seats can provide a soothing vibration for the child, and give your arms a rest.

Tips to help parents/caregivers with a colicky baby include:

  • Put on some headphones. Your baby’s cries can be stressful. Listening to music as you rock and console your child can drown out the wailing and help relax you, and ultimately your child.
  • Take a break. If you are feeling angry or anxious, tap a family member or friend to come to look after the baby, so you can get out of the house.
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Colic Care

Colic is an unpleasant condition for both the baby and the parents. Although there are no formal treatments for colic, it’s important to discuss any symptoms with your pediatrician to rule out other underlying medical conditions.

NewYork-Presbyterian is home to some of the nation’s finest pediatricians. They understand how challenging a colicky child can be. Our doctors are here to provide suggestions and support for both parent and child, providing top-notch pediatric care from infancy into adulthood.

For the best in pediatric care, contact NewYork-Presbyterian for an appointment.