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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Colic (Excessive Crying)

Colic is defined as frequent, intense crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. It usually starts around 2 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and resolves by 3 to 4 months. While incredibly stressful for parents, colic is temporary and does not mean something is medically wrong with your baby.

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🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • You are afraid you might hurt your baby.
  • The baby was shaken or dropped.
  • Baby turns blue, is not moving, or is limp.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Fever: Baby (under 3 months) has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C).
  • Vomiting: Forceful vomiting (not just spit-up) or green/bloody vomit.
  • Stool: Bloody stool.
  • Duration: Crying continues for more than 2 hours straight despite trying all soothing methods.
  • Injury: You suspect the baby is in pain from a fall or injury.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Baby is not gaining weight.
  • You are exhausted and need support or resources.
  • Crying starts after 1 month of age (colic usually starts sooner).
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🔎Identifying Colic (The “Rule of 3s”)

Doctors often use the “Rule of 3s” to diagnose colic. If your baby meets these criteria, it is likely colic:

  • Duration: Crying lasts more than 3 hours per day.
  • Frequency: Occurs more than 3 days per week.
  • Persistence: Lasts for more than 3 weeks.

What Colic Looks Like:

  • The Sound: The cry is loud, screaming, and intense (higher pitched than a hunger cry).
  • The Body: Baby often clenches fists, arches their back, or pulls legs up to the tummy.
  • The Timing: Often happens in the late afternoon or evening (“The Witching Hour”).

⚠️ Is it something else? Before assuming it’s colic, check the basics:

  • Hunger: Is it time to eat?
  • Discomfort: Is the diaper wet? Is clothing too tight? Is a toe caught in a sock thread (hair tourniquet)?
  • Illness: Check for fever (>100.4°F / 38°C). Colic does not cause fever.
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🏠Immediate Home Care (The 5 S’s)

Since the exact cause of colic is unknown (likely overstimulation or a maturing nervous system), the goal is to soothe the baby. Dr. Harvey Karp’s “5 S’s” are highly effective:

  1. Swaddle: Wrap the baby snugly in a blanket to mimic the womb and stop flailing limbs.
  2. Side/Stomach Position: Hold the baby on their side or stomach while in your arms (never leave them on their stomach to sleep). The “Football Hold” or “Colic Carry” works well here.
  1. Shush: Make a loud “Shhhhh” sound near the baby’s ear. It needs to be louder than the crying to distract them. White noise machines or vacuum cleaners also work.
  2. Swing: Use rhythmic, jiggling motion. Rocking chairs, swings, or bouncing on a yoga ball can help.
  3. Suck: Offer a pacifier or a clean finger to suck on. This is very calming for infants.

Feeding Adjustments:

  • Burping: Burp frequently during feeds to reduce gas pressure.
  • Diet (Breastfeeding): Sometimes reducing caffeine, dairy, or spicy foods in the mother’s diet can help, but talk to a doctor first.
  • Formula: Switching formulas rarely helps unless there is a true allergy, but discussing a “sensitive” formula with your pediatrician is an option.
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⚠️Prevention & Parental Safety

The “Safety Valve” (Crucial Step): Colic is a major trigger for Postpartum Depression and Shaken Baby Syndrome.

  • If you feel angry or like you might shake the baby:
    • Put the baby down in a safe place (crib).
    • Leave the room.
    • Close the door.
    • Take 5-10 minutes to breathe, drink water, or call a support person.
    • Remember: The baby is safe in the crib. Crying will not hurt them, but shaking them will cause permanent brain damage.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.