Understanding and Managing Infant Colic
What is Colic?
Colic is a common condition that affects 1 in 5 babies during the first few months of life. Your baby has colic if they cry intensely for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week. The crying usually happens in the evening and often starts around 2 weeks of age.
Important to know: Colic is not your fault, and it doesn't mean something is seriously wrong with your baby. Most babies with colic are healthy, eating well, and gaining weight normally. The good news is that colic almost always goes away on its own by 3-4 months of age.
Signs Your Baby May Have Colic
Intense crying that seems impossible to soothe
Crying episodes that happen around the same time each day (often evening)
Your baby pulls their legs up to their belly
Your baby's face turns red during crying
Your baby passes gas or seems to have a tight, bloated belly
Your baby is otherwise healthy, eating well, and gaining weight“I am healing at the deepest level”
What Helps: Evidence-Based Strategies
For Breastfed Babies:
Probiotic drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 can reduce crying time. Ask your pediatrician about this supplement, which is available over-the-counter.
Changing your diet may help some babies. However we have found this is stressful for moms at times so you can try first a digestive enzyme with meals containing dairy, gluten and nightshades. Here’s an over the counter option to consider:
If adding a digestive enzyme for mom and a probiotic for baby is not enough - you can try eliminating common trigger foods from your diet for 1-2 weeks to see if symptoms improve:
For Formula-Fed Babies:
Switching formulas may help.
Ask your Doctor about trying a hypoallergenic (hydrolyzed) formula. Some babies improve when switched from regular formula to one that's easier to digest.
Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment can help too!
Sometimes this takes 2-4 treatments but a trial can be worth it, especially if gentle alignment looks like it will help. This can be especially helpful with asymmetric head or neck tightness noted, long phase of labor with pushing, arching with crying episodes, excessive spit up or difficulty latching.
Soothing Techniques
While research on soothing techniques is limited, many parents find these helpful:
Hold and comfort your baby during crying episodes
Gentle motion like rocking, swaying, or going for a walk with baby in a carrier
White noise from a fan, vacuum cleaner, or white noise machine
Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care)
Gentle tummy massage in a clockwise direction. Keeping the head above the tush during and after feeding (for about 10 min, or feeding at night in a sidelying position) can be helpful if silent reflux is an underlying cause or contributor.
Warm bath to help your baby relax
What Doesn't Work
Research shows these are not effective for colic:
Gas drops (simethicone)
Acid reflux medications - but in some cases a trial of famotidine is worth it for 1-2 weeks to see if silent reflux is an underlying cause.
Gripe water (limited evidence)
What to Expect
Most babies with colic start to improve around 6-8 weeks of age, and symptoms usually disappear completely by 3-4 months. While it feels endless now, this phase will pass.
Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for a baby with colic is exhausting and stressful. Remember:
It's not your fault. You are not doing anything wrong.
Take breaks. It's okay to put your baby in a safe place (like their crib) and step away for a few minutes to calm yourself.
Ask for help. Let family and friends take turns holding the baby so you can rest.
Never shake your baby. If you feel frustrated, put your baby down safely and walk away until you feel calm.
When to Call Your Doctor
Your baby has a fever (temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C)
Your baby is not eating well or losing weight
Your baby has vomiting or diarrhea
Your baby seems sick in other ways
You're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted