Baby Colic: Symptoms, Causes and How to Help Your Baby

Quick answer: Colic is crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy baby. It usually starts in the first few weeks and settles by 3–4 months. Thorough winding, gentle movement, white noise and colic drops can help. See your GP for a temperature over 38°C, poor feeding or blood in stool or vomit.

What parents need to know

If your baby cries inconsolably for hours at a time — often in the evenings — and nothing seems to help, colic might be the explanation. It's one of the most stressful experiences new parents face, but it is temporary.

What is colic?

Colic is generally defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy baby. It typically starts in the first few weeks of life and resolves by 3–4 months of age, though for some babies it can last a little longer.

Around 1 in 5 babies in the UK experience colic. It affects breastfed and formula-fed babies equally, and has nothing to do with how good a parent you are.

Signs of colic

• Crying that appears to start for no obvious reason
• Crying at a similar time each day, often late afternoon or evening
• A red, flushed face during crying episodes
• Clenched fists, arched back, or drawing knees to chest
• Crying that can't be soothed by feeding, winding, nappy changes, or cuddling
• Your baby otherwise appears healthy, is feeding well and gaining weight

What causes colic?

The honest answer is that no one fully knows. Possible contributing factors include:

• Trapped wind or gut discomfort – immature digestive systems can struggle, especially in the early weeks
• Overstimulation – some babies process the stimulation of the day and "release" it in the evening
• Sensitivity to formula or dairy in breast milk – though this is less common than widely believed
• An immature nervous system – babies are still learning to regulate their own states

What's clear is that colic is not caused by bad parenting, a poor diet, or anything you have done wrong.

What helps with colic?

There's no single cure for colic, but these strategies can help:

Winding thoroughly

Ensure you wind your baby well after every feed — both during and after. Try different positions: over the shoulder, sitting upright on your lap, or lying face-down along your forearm. Some babies need a lot of patience with winding.

Movement and gentle pressure

Gentle rhythmic movement can help — rocking, carrying in a sling, or a gentle baby massage focusing on the tummy. A clockwise circular motion on the tummy can help move trapped gas.

White noise

As with general crying, white noise can be calming during colicky episodes. Try the sound of a fan, running water, or a white noise machine.

A calm parent

Easier said than done, but babies can sense tension. Taking turns with a partner, calling on family support, or simply putting baby down safely and taking two minutes to breathe — all of this matters.

Colic drops (Infacol / Colief)

Infacol (simethicone) and Colief (lactase enzyme) are available over the counter and can help some babies. Ask your pharmacist or GP before trying either, as they work differently.

For parents: you are doing brilliantly

Colic is exhausting and emotionally draining. It will pass. In the meantime, accept all the help you can get, lower your standards for everything else, and know that this phase is temporary.

Frequently asked questions

How long does colic last?

Colic typically starts in the first few weeks of life and resolves by 3–4 months of age, though for some babies it can last a little longer.

What causes colic in babies?

No one fully knows. Possible factors include trapped wind or gut discomfort, overstimulation, sensitivity to formula or dairy in breast milk, and an immature nervous system. Colic is not caused by bad parenting or anything you have done wrong.

When should I see my GP about my baby's crying?

Always see your GP if your baby has a temperature over 38°C, is not feeding well or losing weight, has blood in their stool or vomit, has a cry that sounds different or more high-pitched than usual, or you are concerned for any reason.

Do colic drops work?

Infacol (simethicone) and Colief (lactase enzyme) are available over the counter and can help some babies. Ask your pharmacist or GP before trying either, as they work differently.