The honest answer is that we do not fully know. Researchers and pediatricians have studied colic for decades, and it remains somewhat mysterious. However, several possible contributing factors have been identified: - Immature digestive system: The baby's gut is still developing. Gas may build up and cause discomfort, especially in the evening. - Gut microbiome differences: Some colicky babies have a different balance of gut bacteria compared to non-colicky babies. - Oversensitivity to stimulation: Some babies are simply more sensitive to light, sound, and their surroundings. At the end of a busy day, they may release tension through crying. - Feeding difficulties: Swallowing too much air during feeding (whether breast or bottle) can lead to gas pain and discomfort. - Maternal diet (in breastfed babies): In some cases, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet (such as caffeine, dairy, or spicy foods) may contribute, though this is not proven for all babies. - Hormonal factors: Some theories suggest fluctuating levels of certain hormones in the baby may play a role.

Infantile Colic: Tips for New Parent

Q: When Does Colic Start — and When Does It End?

- STARTS: Around 2–3 weeks of age in full-term babies. In premature babies, colic may begin a little later — counted from the original birth date, not the due date. - PEAKS: Around 6 weeks of age. This is often the most difficult phase for families. The crying is most frequent, most intense, and hardest to soothe during this period. - RESOLVES: By 3–4 months of age in most babies. Some babies may take until 5 months, but colic always resolves on its own. It does not last forever.

Jun 16
6 min read

My Baby Isn't Stopping Crying —Could It Be Colic?

✍️ Dr. Apoorva B. Shah

Pediatrician & Neonatologist

Velocity Multispeciality Hospital

A Complete Parent's Guide to Infantile Colic

crying infant having colic in Surat consulting Dr. Apoorva Shah

A baby who cries inconsolably for hours each day can leave loving parents feeling helpless and overwhelmed. You check the nappy — clean. You feed — not hungry. You rock, sing, and walk around the room. Nothing seems to work. If this sounds familiar, your baby may have colic.

Colic is not a disease. It is not dangerous. Most importantly, it passes with time. This guide will help you understand what colic is, why it happens, and what you can (and cannot) do to help your baby.

What Is Infantile Colic?

Infantile colic describes episodes of intense, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. The crying has no clear cause — the baby is not hungry, not cold, not ill, and not in any danger. Yet the crying can be so severe that it seems almost impossible to soothe.

Colic is very common. It affects roughly 1 in 5 babies worldwide, across all cultures, feeding methods, and family backgrounds. If your baby has colic, you are far from alone.

When Does Colic Start — and When Does It End?

Colic follows a predictable timeline, which can be reassuring for parents once they understand it:

STARTS: Around 2–3 weeks of age in full-term babies. In premature babies, colic may begin a little later — counted from the original birth date, not the due date.
PEAKS: Around 6 weeks of age. This is often the most difficult phase for families. The crying is most frequent, most intense, and hardest to soothe during this period.
RESOLVES: By 3–4 months of age in most babies. Some babies may take until 5 months, but colic always resolves on its own. It does not last forever.

The Rule of Three — How Doctors Diagnose Colic

Doctors use a simple, time-tested guideline called the Rule of Three to identify colic. Your baby likely has severe colic if the crying:

Lasts for MORE than 3 hours per day
Occurs on MORE than 3 days per week
Continues for MORE than 3 weeks in a row

Important:

The baby must be otherwise healthy — gaining weight, feeding well, and showing no signs of illness.
A pediatrician must always examine the baby first to rule out any medical cause for the crying.
Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning all other causes are ruled out before it is diagnosed.

What Causes Colic?

The honest answer is that we do not fully know. Researchers and pediatricians have studied colic for decades, and it remains somewhat mysterious. However, several possible contributing factors have been identified:

Immature digestive system: The baby's gut is still developing. Gas may build up and cause discomfort, especially in the evening.
Gut microbiome differences: Some colicky babies have a different balance of gut bacteria compared to non-colicky babies.
Oversensitivity to stimulation: Some babies are simply more sensitive to light, sound, and their surroundings. At the end of a busy day, they may release tension through crying.
Feeding difficulties: Swallowing too much air during feeding (whether breast or bottle) can lead to gas pain and discomfort.
Maternal diet (in breastfed babies): In some cases, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet (such as caffeine, dairy, or spicy foods) may contribute, though this is not proven for all babies.
Hormonal factors: Some theories suggest fluctuating levels of certain hormones in the baby may play a role.

What colic is NOT caused by: bad parenting, insufficient milk, or anything the parents have done wrong.

Preventing Colic — Can It Be Avoided?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent colic since its exact cause is unknown. However, certain practices may reduce the risk or severity:

Feeding tips that may help:

Ensure a good latch during breastfeeding to reduce air swallowing.
Avoid bottle feeding and formula feeding if spoon feeding and breastfeeding are feasible.
Hold the baby at a slight angle (not flat) during bottle feeding.
Give hindmilk by offering one breast at a time.
Use a slow-flow nipple if bottle feeding — this reduces gulping and gas.
Burp your baby gently after every feed — this is very important.
Avoid overfeeding; give the baby time to signal hunger before feeding again.
Breastfeeding mothers may try avoiding excessive caffeine, spicy food, and carbonated drinks.

General soothing habits:

Establish a calm feeding and sleeping routine from early on.
Reduce overstimulation — too much noise, bright lights, and handling in the evening can trigger crying spells.
Regular oil massage and malish soothe the baby, relax, and strengthen muscles.
Consider probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri) — some studies show benefit in breastfed babies. Ask your pediatrician before starting.

Treatment Options — What Actually Helps?

There is no single cure for colic. However, several approaches can help soothe the baby and make the episodes shorter or less intense:

Comforting techniques:

Gentle rocking or swaying while holding the baby upright.
Skin-to-skin contact — place the baby on your chest.
"White noise" — sounds like a fan, vacuum cleaner sound, or running water can calm some babies.
A gentle tummy massage in a clockwise direction can help move trapped gas.
Bicycle legs — gently moving the baby's legs in a cycling motion to relieve gas.
A warm bath or warm water bottle (well-wrapped to avoid burns) on the tummy.
A gentle walk outdoors — the movement and fresh air often soothe colicky babies.

Medical options (only under pediatrician guidance):

Simethicone (anti-gas drops) — helps break up gas bubbles; safe to use, though evidence is mixed.
Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri / Bifidobacterium animalis) — some evidence of benefit in breastfed babies.
If cow's milk protein allergy is suspected — your doctor may suggest a trial of hydrolyzed formula or elimination of dairy from the mother's diet.
Do not give any herbal teas, gripe water, suva water, babulin, somva chotris, or other home remedies without consulting your pediatrician first.
Do not apply asafoetida (Hing) over the abdomen.

What To Do and What NOT To Do

✔ WHAT TO DO

Stay calm — your baby can sense your stress.
Take turns with your partner or a family member to soothe the baby.
Always place the baby safely in the cot if you feel overwhelmed.
Burp your baby well after every feed.
Accept help from family and friends without guilt.
Remember: this will pass.
Visit your pediatrician to rule out any medical cause.

✘ WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not shake the baby — ever. This is extremely dangerous.
Do not give herbal teas, gripe water, or cough syrups without medical advice.
Do not leave the baby crying in an unsafe place out of frustration.
Do not change the formula repeatedly without consulting your doctor.
Do not stop breastfeeding due to colic — it rarely helps.
Try one soothing technique at a time — do not switch every minute.
Do not blame yourself — colic is not caused by bad parenting.
Do not overfeed the baby to stop the crying.
Do not ignore your own mental health — parental burnout is real.

When Should You See a Doctor Immediately?

Colic is normal, but certain signs are NOT normal and require prompt medical attention:

See your pediatrician urgently if your baby:

Has a fever (temperature above 100.4°F / 38°C)
Is not feeding well or is losing weight
Vomits forcefully or frequently
Has blood in the stool
Is unusually lethargic, limp, or difficult to wake
Cries in a way that is very different from usual — sudden, high-pitched, or persistent screaming
Has not passed urine for more than 6–8 hours

A Note for Parents

Colic is one of the most challenging experiences of early parenthood. The sleepless nights, the endless crying, and the helpless feeling take a toll on families. But please know this: you are doing nothing wrong. Your baby is not sick. And this phase, as hard as it feels right now, will end.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious, please reach out to your family, your friends, and to us. We are here to support not just your baby, but you as well.

**First Pediatric Consultation**

Questions about your baby's crying? We are here to help.

Dr. Apoorva B. Shah | Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist

Velocity Multispeciality Hospital • 074350 81000 • LP Savani Road, Adajan, Surat – 395009

velocitykidscare.com | drapoorvabshah.com

This blog is intended for general parent education. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for concerns about your baby's health.