colic at night

Overview

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, and this pattern goes on for more than 3 weeks. It often happens in the late afternoon or evening, which is why you may hear parents talk about 'colic at night.' The crying is not caused by hunger, diaper trouble, or an illness. Colic can be exhausting and upsetting, but it is not harmful to your baby and it does go away on its own.

Yes, colic is very common. About 1 in 5 babies develop colic in their first months.

Colic affects babies from about 2 weeks to 4 months of age. It happens in both boys and girls, and in every kind of family. It is also more likely in babies born before 37 weeks.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Intense crying that may seem to start without a clear reason
• Crying often happens at the same time each day, usually in the evening
• Clenched fists, a red face, and drawn-up legs
• Arching the back
• A tummy that looks or feels tight
• Being hard to soothe, even after feeding, burping, or a nappy change

Symptoms in children

• Loud, high-pitched crying that can last for hours
• Crying episodes that begin and end suddenly
• Signs of gas or trying to pass stool
• Difficulty settling to sleep at night

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of colic is not fully understood.
• It may relate to an immature digestive system, excess gas, or harmless reflux.
• Overstimulation from noise, light, or activity may also play a role.
• Your baby's age and temperament can make them more sensitive to their surroundings.
• Colic is not caused by something you did or did not do.

Risk factors

• Being born premature (before 37 weeks)
• Having a mother who smoked during pregnancy
• Exposure to second-hand smoke after birth

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has any of the emergency or urgent symptoms listed above.
• If your baby is not feeding well or is losing weight.
• If your baby's crying changes suddenly or sounds different from usual.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your health visitor or family doctor if the crying is constant and you are worried.
• Ask for help if you are struggling to cope or feel very stressed – this is a normal part of colic, not a reason to judge yourself.

Diagnosis

A doctor or health visitor will talk to you about your baby's crying pattern, feedings, and general health. They will also do a gentle physical check to make sure there are no signs of other illness.

Tests that may be done

• Usually, no tests are needed.
• If the doctor suspects another cause, they may check urine, blood, or a stool sample.
• Sometimes a doctor may suggest monitoring feeding and weight gain over a few days.

What to expect at your appointment

You can expect your doctor to listen carefully and rule out problems such as infection, reflux, or milk allergy. They will likely reassure you that your baby is healthy and give you practical ideas to calm the crying.

Treatment

There is no single cure for colic. The main goal is to comfort your baby and help you stay calm. Many different soothing techniques work for some babies some of the time. It may take trial and error to find what helps your baby.

Self-care at home

• Hold your baby against your chest and gently rock, sway, or walk.
• Swaddle your baby in a light blanket to help them feel safe.
• Offer a dummy (pacifier) for sucking, if your baby wants it.
• Take a stroller ride or a gentle walk outdoors.
• Burp your baby after feeds to release trapped gas.
• Try white noise, a hairdryer, or a quiet fan sound (softly, not too loud).
• Give your baby a warm bath at a calm time of day.

Medical treatments

Many products claim to treat colic, but not all are proven to work. Some doctors may suggest a one-week trial of a hypoallergenic formula if a milk protein allergy is suspected. Others may talk to you about probiotics, which are live bacteria that may help the digestive system. Never give your baby any medicine, gas drops, herbal remedies, or thickeners without first speaking to a healthcare professional. No over-the-counter colic product is a cure.

Living with this condition

Colic is temporary, but it can take over your days and nights. Try to take breaks when you can. Hand the baby to a partner, friend, or grandparent and step outside, take a shower, or just sit quietly for a few minutes. Remember that this phase will pass.

Lifestyle tips

• Create a calm evening routine with dim lights and fewer visitors to reduce overstimulation.
• Take turns with your partner or a support person so you can rest.
• If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby safely in their cot and walk away for a few minutes. Take slow breaths and return when you are calmer.
• Let trusted people help with household tasks so you can focus on rest and caring for your baby.

Diet and exercise

If you are breastfeeding, some parents find that cutting caffeine or certain foods like broccoli or onion helps, but there is little evidence that this changes colic. If you formula feed, do not change formulas without talking to a health professional. Staying hydrated and eating regularly is important for your own energy. Gentle exercise like walking can also help you manage stress.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Caring for a baby with colic can be exhausting and lonely. You may feel frustrated, guilty, or overwhelmed. These feelings are normal. If you ever think you could hurt your baby, put them down in a safe place and go into another room to calm down. Then call someone you trust or ask your doctor for help right away. Your feelings matter and help is available.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent colic because the cause is not fully understood. However, learning about soothing techniques and having a plan can help you feel more in control and may reduce stress for both you and your baby.

Complications

If left untreated

• Colic itself does not harm your baby, but the stress of constant crying can be very hard on parents.
• Without support, parents may feel exhausted, anxious, or depressed.
• In rare cases, shaking a baby out of frustration can cause serious injury. Never shake a baby.
• If you are afraid you might lose control, set the baby down safely and call for help.

Long-term outlook

Most babies with colic are completely healthy and are no more likely to have long-term problems. By the time your baby reaches 3 to 4 months, the colic usually stops. It may be hard now, but this phase is short and you and your baby will get through it together.

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