worrying father holding crying newborn

Colic in Babies

About 1 in 3 babies develop colic. Colic refers to periods of unexplained, distressed crying related to painful muscular spasms in the colon (bowel). The cause is unknown. Babies pull up their legs, arch their back and go red in the face. The crying usually lasts for more than a few hours a day, and for more than 3 days in a week. Colic typically starts in babies when they are 2-3 weeks old and lasts until about 4 months.

Colic may be confused with reflux. However a colicky baby gains weight, doesn’t vomit and is not unsettled during or straight after every feed like a baby with reflux. With a colicky baby, the spasms often start 20-30 minutes after the feed and may continue until baby expels wind or has a huge explosive bowel motion that seems to ease their discomfort.

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

It’s difficult to know who finds colic harder, the parent or the baby. Although a colicky baby is obviously in distress and uncomfortable, colic is not usually a serious medical problem. Seek advice and support from your Child and Family Health Nurse or family doctor to check that the cause of your child’s prolonged crying isn’t a more serious medical problem.

With a colicky baby, the spasms often start 20-30 minutes after the feed and may continue until baby expels wind or has a huge explosive bowel motion that seems to ease their discomfort.

Tips for managing a colicky baby

  • Wrap your baby and try carrying them in different positions. Constant movement often soothes colicky babies.
  • Stand up, hold your baby resting face-down over your arm at waist level, with their head at your elbow and your hand under their hips. Then pat your baby’s bottom gently and rhythmically with your other hand as you sway gently back and forth.
  • Gently massage your baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction.
  • Discuss your baby’s feeding patterns with your Child and Family Health Nurse. They may be drinking too quickly or feeding too often.
  • Try to feed baby before they get too hungry or distressed.
  • Sometimes changes to your diet, if you are breastfeeding, or a change in the baby’s formula, can be helpful. Discuss this with your Child and Family Health Nurse.
  • Consult your pharmacist or a natural health practitioner regarding over the counter remedies that may be helpful. You may also like to discuss this with your family doctor if you’re concerned.

** References:

Parenting and child health. Adelaide: Women's and Children's Health Network; 2015. Available from www.cyh.com

Better Health Channel. Melbourne: Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia; 2015. Available from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Related articles

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 0-4 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 4-8 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

Your Baby's Day 8-12 Weeks

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 2 Watch Me Grow

The First 3 Months of Your Baby's Life