Infantile colic (baby colic)

Signs and symptoms of colic 

Colic usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and stops by four to six months.

Signs and symptoms of colic include:

• intense crying bouts
• crying in the late afternoon or evening that lasts several hours
• your baby's face being red and flushed when they cry
• your baby clenching their fists, drawing their knees up to their tummy, or arching their back while crying

If your baby has colic, they may appear to be in distress. But the crying outbursts are not harmful. 

Your baby should continue to feed and gain weight normally.

Advice for parents 

Caring for a baby with colic can be very hard for parents, particularly first-time parents. Remember that:

• your baby's colic is not your fault – it doesn't mean your baby is unwell, you're doing something wrong, or your baby is rejecting you
• your baby will get better - colic normally stops before they're four to six months old
• you should look after your own wellbeing – if possible, ask friends and family for support, as it's important you take regular breaks and get some rest

Tips for helping your baby 

There's no method that works for all babies with colic. Some ways that may help include:

• holding your baby during a crying spell
• keeping your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air
• burping your baby after feeds
• gently rocking your baby over your shoulder
• bathing your baby in a warm bath
• gently massaging your baby's tummy

Some babies may also benefit from changes to their diet. Discuss this with your midwife, health visitor or your GP.

Speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice before trying any over the counter remedies for colic.

When to see your GP 

Colic may improve using the techniques above. You can also ask your health visitor for their advice.

See your GP if you're concerned about your baby, or if nothing seems to be working and you're struggling to cope.

Your GP can check for possible causes of your baby's crying, such as:

• eczema 
• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

GORD is a condition where stomach acid moves back out of the stomach and into the gullet (oesophagus).

If no other cause of your baby's symptoms can be found, your GP can advise you about the things you can do to help your baby.

When to seek immediate medical advice 

You should get medical help immediately if your baby:

• has a weak, high-pitched, or continuous cry
• seems floppy when you pick them up
• isn't feeding
• vomits green fluid
• has blood in their poo 
• has a fever of 38C or above (if they're less than three months old) or 39C or above (if they're three to six months old)
• has a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot at the top of a baby's head)
• has a fit (seizure)
• turns blue, blotchy, or very pale
• has breathing problems, such as breathing quickly or grunting while breathing

These symptoms can suggest a more serious problem.

Causes of colic 

The cause or causes of colic are unknown. A number of causes have been suggested.

These include:

• indigestion
• trapped wind
• a temporary gut sensitivity to certain proteins and sugars found in breast and formula milk

Colic may just be at the extreme end of normal crying in babies.

Colic happens in boys and girls, and in babies who are breastfed and those who are bottle-fed.

• Colic

More useful links

• How to use your health services