Colic

Colic is when a baby cries a lot but there's no obvious cause. It's a common problem that should get better by around 3 or 4 months of age. But call NHS 111 or see a GP if you're worried.

Symptoms of colic

All babies cry, but your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy.

They may cry more often in the afternoon and evening.

It may also be colic if, while they are crying:

it's hard to soothe or settle your baby
they clench their fists
they go red in the face
they bring their knees up to their tummy or arch their back
their tummy rumbles or they're very windy

It can start when a baby is a few weeks old. It usually stops by the time they're 3 to 4 months old.

Things you can try to soothe your baby

Your baby does not usually need to see a doctor if they have colic.

Remedies for colic, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are available from pharmacies and some shops, but they're not recommended and there's no evidence they help colic.

Speak to your health visitor for advice and support. There are things they'll usually advise to help soothe your baby.

Do

hold or cuddle your baby when they're crying a lot
sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air
wind your baby after feeds
gently rock your baby over your shoulder
gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram
bath your baby in a warm bath
have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them
keep feeding your baby as usual - you do not need to make any changes to your diet if you're breastfeeding

Don't

do not try putting gentle pressure to your baby's spine (spinal manipulation) or skull (cranial osteopathy) - there is little evidence this works, and it may hurt your baby

Call NHS 111 or see a GP if:

you're worried about your baby's crying
your baby has colic and nothing seems to be working
you're finding it hard to cope
your baby is not growing or putting on weight as expected
your baby still has symptoms of colic after 4 months of age

A GP will check for possible causes of your baby's crying.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry
your baby's cry does not sound like their normal cry

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like. Trust your instincts if you think something is seriously wrong, particularly if they have other worrying symptoms.

Find your nearest A&E

You do not have to drive to A&E. You can ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines your baby takes with you.

How to cope if you have a colicky baby

Looking after a colicky baby can be upsetting, but it's usually nothing to worry about and will pass with time.

Ask for support:

from other parents, family or friends
by calling the Cry-sis helpline free on 0800 448 0737 (9am to 10pm, 7 days a week)
from your health visitor, by calling NHS 111 or seeing a GP

Causes of colic

It's not known exactly what causes some babies to get colic. But it may be because babies find it harder to digest food when they're young.

Or they may be crying because they have problems with food allergies, such as a cows' milk allergy.

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