Everything you need to know about colic – from symptoms to treatment and when to see your GP

Sophie Collins

Colic is a term used to describe excessive and frequent crying in an otherwise healthy baby

According to the HSE, it affects up to 1 in 5 infants and typically begins around 2 weeks of age. Colic usually resolves by 4 months, though in some cases, it may persist until 6 months.

What is Colic?

Colic is characterised by prolonged crying that seems intense and difficult to soothe.

A baby is considered to have colic if they cry for:

more than 3 hours a day
more than 3 days a week
more than 3 weeks

The crying often peaks in the evening but can occur at any time.

Other signs of colic include:

Restlessness
Drawing their legs up, arching their back, or clenching their fists
Turning red in the face
Crying that is loud and intense
Difficulty in settling and prolonged crying episodes

Despite these symptoms, babies with colic are generally well between crying episodes and continue to feed well and gain weight.

Causes of Colic

The exact cause of colic is unknown. It is more common in premature babies and may be more prevalent in homes where smoking occurs.

Although the exact cause remains unclear, colic is not usually a sign of any underlying health issue.

Tips for Soothing

There is no definitive treatment for colic, but several strategies may help alleviate the symptoms.

As you become familiar with your baby’s needs, you will discover what works best for your family.

Here are some techniques that might help:

Hold Your Baby Close: Comforting your baby during a crying episode can be beneficial. Responding to their needs is important and not considered ‘spoiling’ them.
Upright Feeding: Keep your baby upright during and after feeds to aid digestion and reduce discomfort.
Wind or Burp Your Baby: Ensure your baby is well burped after feeds to release trapped air.
Gentle Rocking: Rock your baby gently or try a warm bath to soothe them.
Minimise Stimulation: Avoid overwhelming your baby with loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces.
Tummy Massage: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a circular motion may help, but avoid doing so immediately after feeding.

Additional Strategies

Some parents find the following methods helpful, although scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited:

Movement and Motion: Taking your baby for a walk in a stroller or a car ride can sometimes be calming.
Music and White Noise: Playing soft music or using white noise, like the sound of a vacuum cleaner, may soothe your baby.

While some parents use gripe water or simethicone drops, their effectiveness is not proven. Always consult with a pharmacist before using these products.

Colic and Feeding

Breastfeeding: If you’re breastfeeding, try to empty one breast before switching to the other to provide milk higher in fat, which can aid digestion. Avoid caffeine, as it may affect your baby’s sleep and digestion.
Bottle Feeding: For bottle-fed babies, reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeds by holding the bottle at an angle. Stick to one type of formula unless advised otherwise by a health professional. Be cautious with products claiming to reduce colic, as they often lack evidence of effectiveness and can be expensive.

Complementary Therapies

Be cautious with complementary therapies, such as herbal remedies or cranial osteopathy, as there is little evidence supporting their effectiveness, and some may cause side effects.

Always consult your public health nurse (PHN) or GP before considering such treatments.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Trust your instincts as a parent. If you suspect something more serious is wrong with your baby, especially if other concerning symptoms are present, seek urgent medical help.

Your intuition and knowledge of your baby’s usual behaviour are valuable in ensuring their health and wellbeing.

Understanding colic and trying various soothing techniques can help manage this challenging phase. Remember, you are not alone—support is available, and most babies outgrow colic as they develop.