All babies cry, but some cry for long stretches and are hard to settle even though they are well and feeding normally. This is often called colic. It can be exhausting, but it is common and it does pass.
What is colic?
Your baby may have colic if they cry for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 1 week, but are otherwise healthy. It usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and stops by 3 to 4 months of age. Crying is often worse in the afternoon and evening.
Signs that may go with colic
- Crying that is hard to soothe, often at the same time of day
- A red, flushed face while crying
- Clenched fists, arched back or knees pulled up to the tummy
Things that may help
- Hold or cuddle your baby when they are crying a lot.
- Rock your baby gently over your shoulder, or take them for a walk in a pram or sling.
- Sit or hold your baby upright during feeds, and wind them after feeds.
- Try a warm bath, gentle white noise or a quiet, dim room.
No single remedy works for every baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying colic drops or changing your baby’s milk.
Look after yourself
Constant crying is stressful. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely on their back in their cot, leave the room for a few minutes and take some deep breaths, or ask someone to take over. Never shake a baby: it can cause serious brain injury.
When to see a doctor
- You are worried about your baby’s crying, or it is not like their normal cry
- Your baby has a weak, high-pitched or unusual cry
- Your baby is not feeding well, is not gaining weight, or has a high temperature, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Colic symptoms continue after 4 months of age
A doctor can check for other causes of crying, such as reflux or a cows’ milk allergy.
See a typical day of naps and bedtime with our Baby Sleep Calculator.
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