There's crying, and then there's colic. If your baby screams inconsolably for hours—often in the evening—and nothing you do seems to help, you may be dealing with colic. It's one of the most challenging experiences of the newborn period, and the hardest part is that there's no quick fix.
But here's what I tell every colic family: it's temporary, it's not your fault, and you will get through it.
What Is Colic?
Colic is defined by the "rule of threes": crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks—in an otherwise healthy, well-fed infant.
In practice, colic means:
- Intense, inconsolable crying episodes
- Often starting in late afternoon or evening ("the witching hour")
- Baby may clench fists, arch back, pull legs to chest, and turn red
- Nothing seems to help—feeding, rocking, changing—the crying continues
- Between episodes, baby is typically normal and content
Colic affects roughly 10–25% of babies and usually begins around 2–3 weeks, peaks at 6 weeks, and resolves by 3–4 months. The peak timing coincides with a period of rapid neurological development, which may be related.
What Causes Colic?
Honest answer: we don't fully know. Leading theories include:
Immature digestive system. Baby's gut is still developing and may process gas or feeding differently, causing discomfort.
Immature nervous system. The theory I find most compelling: young babies' brains are still learning to filter sensory input. By evening, after a full day of stimulation, their system is overwhelmed and crying is the only outlet. Think of it as a neurological "pressure release valve."
Gut microbiome. Emerging research suggests that colicky babies may have different gut bacteria profiles. The role of probiotics is being studied.
Food sensitivities. In some cases (not all), proteins in mom's diet (commonly dairy) passing through breast milk, or formula intolerance, may contribute to colic-like symptoms.
What colic is NOT:
- It's not caused by bad parenting
- It's not a sign that baby is in danger
- It's not because you're doing something wrong
- It's not because you ate something while pregnant
Soothing Strategies (That Sometimes Help)
No single strategy works for every colicky baby. But these are worth trying:
The 5 S's (Dr. Harvey Karp)
- Swaddling — Snug wrapping provides containment
- Side/stomach position — Hold baby on their side or tummy across your forearm (for comforting only, not sleep)
- Shushing — Loud white noise (as loud as a running shower) mimics the womb
- Swinging — Small, rhythmic jiggling movements (head supported)
- Sucking — Pacifier, finger, or breast for non-nutritive sucking
Movement
- Walking or bouncing (some babies need vigorous motion)
- Car rides (the vibration and white noise calm many colicky babies)
- Baby swing or vibrating bouncer
- Baby carrier (your warmth + movement)
Environmental Changes
- Dim the lights
- Reduce stimulation (turn off TV, quiet the room)
- Warm bath (sometimes works, sometimes makes things worse—try it)
- Fresh air (step outside, even briefly)
Feeding-Related
- Burp more frequently during feeds
- Try paced bottle feeding if bottle-fed
- Check for tongue tie or latch issues that may cause excess air intake
- If breastfeeding, a 2-week trial of eliminating dairy from mom's diet may help some babies (discuss with your pediatrician first)
- If formula-fed, ask your pediatrician about trying a hydrolyzed formula
Probiotics
Some research suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri may reduce crying time in breastfed colicky babies. The evidence is promising but not definitive. Discuss with your pediatrician before starting.
What Doesn't Help
- Gripe water. No consistent evidence that it works. Some products contain ingredients that may not be safe for newborns.
- Gas drops (simethicone). Generally safe but research doesn't show meaningful benefit for colic specifically.
- Switching formulas repeatedly. Give any formula 1–2 weeks before deciding it's not working.
- Cereal in the bottle. This is outdated advice and not recommended.
- Crying it out. Inappropriate for newborns. Babies this young cannot self-soothe.
Protecting Yourself
Colic tests the limits of the most patient, loving parent. Here's how to protect your mental health:
It's Okay to Put Baby Down
If you've tried everything and baby is still screaming and you feel yourself reaching a breaking point—put baby in a safe place (crib, on their back) and walk away for 5–10 minutes. Close the door. Breathe. Baby will be safe. You need a break.
This is not neglect. This is responsible self-regulation. Every parenting expert, pediatrician, and child development specialist will tell you the same thing.
Never Shake Your Baby
This is the most important thing I can say about colic. Shaken baby syndrome happens when exhausted, overwhelmed caregivers lose control during inconsolable crying. The consequences are devastating and permanent.
If you feel anger, frustration, or the urge to shake your baby, put them down and call someone. Your partner, a friend, a crisis line (1-800-422-4453). There is no shame in reaching out.
Share the Load
Take shifts. If one parent handles the colic hours, the other takes the middle-of-the-night feedings. Nobody should have to do all of it alone.
Seek Support
- Talk to your pediatrician (to rule out other causes)
- Connect with other colic parents (you are not alone in this)
- Consider therapy if the stress is affecting your mental health
- Accept offers of help—someone holding the baby for an hour while you leave the house is gold
When to Call Your Pediatrician
While colic itself is not dangerous, excessive crying can also be a sign of something else. Call if:
- Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in stool
- Baby has a sudden change in cry pattern (much higher pitched or weaker)
- Baby isn't eating well or is losing weight
- Baby is lethargic between crying episodes
- You're not sure it's "just" colic
The Light at the End
Colic ends. For most babies, the worst is over by 8–10 weeks, with significant improvement by 3 months and near-complete resolution by 4 months. This feels like forever when you're in it, but it will end.
When it does, you'll have a baby who smiles, laughs, and coos—and you'll wonder how the same baby who screamed for three hours every evening is now the happiest person in the room. Hold on. That day is coming.