colic lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

Colic is when a healthy baby cries and fusses for long periods of time, often more than three hours a day, for no obvious reason. It usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and typically improves by the age of three to four months.

Yes, colic is very common. It is thought that about one in five babies develops colic in the first few months of life.

Colic affects healthy babies from around two weeks of age, most often between one and four months. It can affect boys and girls equally.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Long periods of intense crying, especially at a similar time each day
• Clenched fists and a red face while crying
• Arched back and drawn-up knees
• Pulling legs up as if in pain
• Difficulty soothing the baby with rocking, feeding, or holding

Symptoms in children

• Colic is specific to infants and does not usually affect older children. If an older child is crying a lot or complaining of tummy pain, it is important to seek medical advice.

Symptoms in older adults

• Colic is not a condition that affects older adults.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of colic is not fully understood.
• It may be linked to an immature digestive system and trapped gas in the tummy.
• Some babies may be extra sensitive to noise, light, or other stimulation.
• Occasionally, a food sensitivity or feeding technique may play a role.

Risk factors

• Being born early (prematurely) may make colic more likely.
• Smoking during pregnancy or exposure to smoke in the home is a possible risk factor.
• Any baby can develop colic, regardless of feeding method (breast or bottle).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If your baby is crying constantly, has a high temperature, or you are worried something else is wrong, contact your healthcare provider or local out-of-hours service the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your baby is often unsettled and you want reassurance, make a routine appointment.
• If the crying has not improved by around three months, or if you have questions about feeding, weight gain, or sleeping, book a check-up.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will listen to your description of the crying and examine your baby to make sure there is no other health problem. They may ask about feeding, nappies, and general behaviour. Colic is sometimes described by the 'rule of three': crying for more than three hours a day, on more than three days a week, for around three weeks in an otherwise healthy baby.

Tests that may be done

• No specific test is needed to diagnose colic.
• The healthcare provider may sometimes suggest tests, such as a urine sample or allergy check, to rule out other causes if they are not sure.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will likely reassure you that the crying is not caused by anything serious. They will also give you practical advice on soothing your baby and tell you when to come back if things change.

Treatment

Colic does not have a single 'cure'. Treatment focuses on soothing the baby and helping parents cope while it runs its course. Always speak to a healthcare provider before trying any type of medicine or remedy.

Self-care at home

• Hold your baby in a calm, quiet room and try gentle rocking or rhythmic motion.
• Swaddle (wrap) your baby snugly, making sure they are not too hot.
• Use white noise, like a quiet fan or a sound machine, to comfort your baby.
• Try skin-to-skin contact and gentle massage on your baby's tummy.
• Make sure you burp your baby after feeds and keep them upright for a little while.
• If you feel overwhelmed, it is okay to put your baby down safely in their cot and step away for a few minutes to breathe.

Medical treatments

There is no medication proven to cure colic. Some over-the-counter anti-colic drops exist, but evidence for them is limited and they should never be used without talking to a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Treatment is mainly supportive and focused on soothing your baby.

Living with this condition

Caring for a baby with colic can be exhausting. Try to take shifts with your partner, a family member, or a friend so you can rest. Accept offers of help and remember that this phase will pass.

Lifestyle tips

• Create a calm bedroom and feeding environment.
• Keep a daily routine as much as possible.
• Take your baby for a short walk in a pram or front carrier — movement can help.
• Limit visitors and stimulation if your baby seems sensitive.
• Look after yourself: eat well, keep hydrated, and get fresh air when you can.

Diet and exercise

For breastfeeding mothers, some babies may be sensitive to something in the mother's diet, such as cow's milk or caffeine. Speak to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider before cutting out any foods. For bottle-fed babies, check the feeding technique and use the formula recommended by your doctor or health visitor. Gentle leg exercises and tummy time (while awake and supervised) can help your baby pass gas and strengthen their body.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with persistent crying can make you feel stressed, anxious, or low. These feelings are very common. If you feel angry or overwhelmed, it is important to put your baby somewhere safe, walk away for a few minutes, and calm down. Talk to someone you trust and see your healthcare provider if these feelings are affecting your daily life.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent colic. However, gentle feeding and burping, a calm environment, and responding early to your baby's cues may reduce how often or how intensely they cry.

Complications

If left untreated

• True colic does not cause long-term harm, so 'untreated' colic generally resolves on its own.
• If the crying is actually due to another health problem, missing that problem could lead to a delay in care. This is why it is important to have your baby checked if you are worried.
• Without enough support, parental stress and exhaustion can build up, so seeking help early is vital.

Long-term outlook

Colic almost always resolves on its own by the age of three to four months. Babies continue to grow and feed well, and most parents look back on this as a challenging but short phase. With the right support, you can get through it.

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