12 minute readWhat is colic?
Colic is a term used to describe frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby that can’t be easily explained. It’s frustrating, exhausting, but crucially, it’s not your fault — colic is very common, with up to 1 in 4 newborns thought to experience it, and experts still do not know the exact cause.
Here’s the good news: colic doesn’t last forever. It usually peaks around six weeks of age, and tends to resolve itself by around the 4-month mark.And, in the meantime, there are plenty of ways to comfort your baby and maintain your sanity — as we’ll explain shortly.
Colic symptoms
Because colic isn’t truly a condition but rather a term used to describe a collection of symptoms — which most typically include excessive, unexplained crying — it can be tough to distinguish from normal baby fussiness. However, there are some key signs that might indicate your little one is dealing with more than just an off day.
While it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician, here are the common signs of colic to watch for:
Intense crying. Colicky crying is often louder, more intense, and higher-pitched than regular cries. It might seem as though your baby is crying in pain.
Crying fits at predictable times. Colic episodes often happen around the same time each day, typically in the late afternoon or evening.
Inconsolability. Despite your best efforts to comfort them — feeding, changing, rocking — your baby may refuse to stop crying.
Clenched fists and stiffened body. During crying spells, you might notice your baby clenching their fists, curling up their legs, or stiffening their body.
Gassy or bloated appearance. Many colicky babies seem to have a hard time passing gas or it may look like their tummy is bloated.
Relief after passing gas or a bowel movement. Some babies appear to calm down briefly after releasing gas or having a bowel movement, though the relief might not last long.
Interrupted sleep patterns. Colicky babies may struggle to settle down for naps or nighttime sleep, adding to their frustration (and yours).
What causes colic?
Frustratingly, nobody’s quite sure what causes colic in babies. However, it’s often thought to reflect a baby’s difficulty in adapting to their environment or developing self-soothing techniques, which can be influenced by factors such as immature digestion, overstimulation, or even parental stress.
These are some of the contributing factors that many experts believe to be linked to colic:
Immature digestive system. A baby’s digestive tract is still developing, which can lead to difficulty processing food, trapped gas, or general discomfort.
Overstimulation. Newborns are constantly exposed to new sights, sounds, and sensations. For some babies, this sensory overload can lead to excessive crying as they struggle to process it all.
Gas. Swallowing air during feedings or sensitivity to certain foods (via breast milk or formula) might contribute to tummy troubles, leading to colic symptoms.
Food sensitivities or allergies. Some experts suggest that colic might be related to a baby’s reaction to proteins in cow’s milk or other allergens in formula or breast milk.
Acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can cause discomfort, leading some babies to cry more frequently.
Immature nervous system. A baby’s underdeveloped nervous system may make it harder for them to self-soothe or adapt to changes, resulting in prolonged crying.
Parental stress. While not a direct cause, some research suggests that colic might be exacerbated by the stress levels in a baby’s environment, as infants can pick up on and react to tension around them.
However, while these factors might contribute to colic, the truth is that every baby is different, and what triggers colic in one child might not apply to another.
When to see a doctor
Colic is both common (affecting around 1 in 5 babies) and relatively harmless, but it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor if you’re concerned. They’ll be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions and offer additional advice for managing colic.
Above all,trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to speak up. You know your little one better than anyone else.
How to help a colic baby get to sleep
We know what colic is, now let’s talk about how to treat it. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most effective techniques for soothing a colicky tot. Try one or two, or give them all a go! Every baby is different, so test things out and see how you get on.
1. Create a calming environment
Imagine spending 9 months in a luxury hotel — all your needs taken care of. All your favourite food delivered instantly, a soft, king-size bed to rest on, and complete silence when you’re ready to settle down.
Now, imagine all of those things suddenly being stripped away. You’re thrown into a loud, bright, completely unfamiliar space. Now multiply that confusion and discomfort by a thousand, and you’re close to imagining just how tricky the transition from womb to planet earth is.
Babies might get berated for being overly sensitive, but put yourself in their (tiny) shoes!
If you’re dealing with a colicky tot, turn your attention towards their environment. Is it conducive to a good night’s sleep? If your baby is crying nonstop, reducing sensory input can help them feel more secure. Creating the perfect calming environment for your baby essentially boils down to this:
Dim the lights. Bright lights can overstimulate your baby. Use soft, warm lighting or dimmers to create a cosy atmosphere. If it’s bedtime, darkening the room entirely can signal it’s time to wind down.
Introduce white noise. Gentle, consistent sounds like white noise, soft rain, or the hum of a fan can mimic the sounds of the womb and drown out jarring background noises. White noise machines or apps can be great tools for this.
Keep it quiet. Minimise loud or abrupt sounds that might startle your baby. If you’re talking or playing music, keep the volume low and soothing.
Adjust the temperature. Babies are sensitive to temperature changes, so keep the room comfortably warm, but not too hot. If your baby seems fussy, check if they might be too warm or too cold.
2. Swaddle them
Similar to the technique above, swaddling helps recreate the secure feeling of being in the womb and prevents the Moro reflex, which is particularly comforting for colicky babies. If you’re new to swaddling, there are plenty of swaddling tutorials to guide you, or you can invest in a ready-made swaddle blanket with Velcro or zips to make things extra simple.
The key is to make sure your baby’s arms are snugly tucked in while leaving enough room for their hips to move freely. While not all babies like being swaddled and you should pay close attention to their cues, a well-swaddled baby often feels safe and secure, which can make all the difference during a colic episode. Just be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines and stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over.
3. Use motion
Have you ever noticed how quickly a baby calms down when they’re rocked in someone’s arms or taken for a car ride? That’s because motion is incredibly soothing for infants. Rocking, swaying, or bouncing gently can help distract your baby from their discomfort. If your arms are getting tired, try a baby swing, bouncer, or even a smart bassinet. These gadgets can be lifesavers, offering a hands-free way to keep your baby moving.
Another tried-and-true technique is taking your baby for a walk in their stroller or wearing them in a baby carrier. The combination of fresh air and gentle movement can be incredibly calming, not to mention a great way for you to get a change of scenery. And let’s not forget the magic of a car ride — just be prepared for the possibility that your baby might wake up the moment you pull into the driveway!
4. Try tummy time
As we touched on above, it’s thought that colic may be linked to gassiness, so try laying your tot on their tum and applying some gentle pressure to their abdomen. You can also try laying your baby face-down across your lap and gently patting their back. This position can be soothing and help release trapped air.
You might also find that using a warm compress or especially-designed baby tummy warmer helps, too — just make sure that whatever you’re using isn’t too hot (no warmer than 100°F or 37.8°C).
5. Give baby massage a go
Another topic we’ve touched on before (pun very much intended) is baby massage. It’s a superb way of helping both you and you wind down before bed, and there’s plenty of research to prove it works, so you’ve really no excuse not to try it.
If you’d like to take a deep dive into the topic, take a look at ourguide to baby massage, but if you’d prefer a quick rundown, here’s a quickstart guide below:
Create a relaxing atmosphere. Choose a quiet, warm space and dim the lights. You can even play soft, calming music to set the tone.
Use baby-safe oil. A small amount of baby-safe oil, like coconut or almond oil (being mindful of nut allergies, of course), can make the massage more comfortable. Warm the oil between your hands before applying it to your baby’s skin.
Start with gentle strokes. Begin with light, slow strokes on your baby’s chest and tummy. This helps them get used to the sensation.
Massage the tummy. Using your fingertips, move in a gentle clockwise motion on their belly. This mimics the natural direction of their digestive system and can help release trapped gas.
Focus on the legs and feet. Gently massage their thighs, calves, and the soles of their feet. You can even do a light “bicycle” motion with their legs to help relieve gas.
Keep an eye on baby’s cues. If your baby seems relaxed, continue with the massage. If they seem uncomfortable or fussy, stop and try again later.
6. Adjust your feeding technique
Sometimes, colic is linked to feeding issues. If your baby is bottle-fed, make sure they’re not swallowing too much air during feedings. You can use anti-colic bottles or check that the nipple flow is appropriate for their age. If you’re breastfeeding, consider whether something in your diet might be triggering your baby’s symptoms. While there’s no definitive list of foods to avoid, some parents find that cutting back on caffeine or spicy foods can make a difference.
If you suspect your baby’s colic is related to a milk protein intolerance or another food sensitivity, consult your doctor. They might recommend a special formula or guide you on dietary changes.
7. Use the 5 S’s
Here at Elvie, we’re huge fans of Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s of soothing. If you haven’t come across it yet, the 5 S’s are a set of techniques designed to mimic the comforting sensations your baby experienced in the womb. They work together to help your baby feel secure and settled, even during a colic meltdown. We’ve already covered two of the 5 S’s (swaddling and swinging) up above.
If you’re curious, you canread our full guide to the 5 S’s, but here’s a quick breakdown to get you started:
Swaddling. Wrapping your baby snugly in a swaddle blanket helps recreate the cosy, secure feeling of being in the womb. Make sure their arms are tucked in, but leave enough room for their hips and legs to move freely.
Side or stomach position. While always placing your baby on their back for sleep is crucial, holding them on their side or stomach during awake, supervised time can help soothe crying spells. Try cradling them face-down across your arm or holding them upright against your chest.
Shushing. A loud, rhythmic “shushing” sound mimics the whooshing noise of blood flow in the womb. You can make the sound yourself or use a white noise machine for consistent soothing.
Swinging. Gentle, rhythmic motion — like rocking, swaying, or using a baby swing — can be incredibly calming. Movement reminds babies of the constant motion they felt while being carried during pregnancy.
Sucking. Babies naturally find sucking soothing, so offering a pacifier, a clean finger, or breastfeeding can help calm them during fussy moments.
Above all — be patient!
Perhaps the most important tool in your parenting arsenal is patience. Dealing with a colicky baby can be tough, but remember that it won’t last forever. In the meantime, try to stay calm, and don’t be afraid to lean on your partner, friends, or family members if you’re struggling.
Breaks are important, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to pop your baby down in their crib and step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. Your well-being matters too!
By trying different techniques and being patient with the process, you’ll find what works best for your baby. And remember, you’re not alone — colic is a common experience, and countless parents have been in your shoes.
In time, those sleepless nights and fussy evenings will become a distant memory. Until then, take it one day (or one cry) at a time.
Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in December 2024.