---
title: "Colic: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Colic symptoms, ways to soothe a crying baby, treatments that do not help, and warning signs that crying may have another cause."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/colic/
robots: noindex
---

# Colic: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Colic symptoms, ways to soothe a crying baby, treatments that do not help, and warning signs that crying may have another cause.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What is colic? Colic describes frequent, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy young baby, often in the afternoon or evening. It usually improves by 3 to 4 months. Feeding support, holding, gentle rocking and winding may help; anti-colic drops and spinal manipulation are not routinely recommended.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Colic, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about colic

- Colic commonly begins in the first weeks of life and settles by 3 to 4 months.
- A baby's usual cry changing can be more important than the number of hours.
- It is reasonable to seek support if the crying is affecting your wellbeing.

## Typical colic pattern

A baby may clench their fists, draw their knees up, arch their back or go red while crying. Episodes often recur at a similar time of day.

## Things that may soothe

Hold your baby during crying, keep them upright during feeds, wind them afterwards, rock gently and try calm background sound. Continue usual feeding unless a health professional advises otherwise.

## Looking after yourself

Ask family, friends or your health visitor for help. If crying is making you angry or distressed, place the baby safely in their cot, leave the room for a few minutes and return when calmer.

## ! When to see a GP about colic

Call **NHS 111** or see a GP if you are worried, nothing is helping, your baby is not feeding or gaining weight, or symptoms continue after 4 months. Call **999** for a weak, unusually high-pitched or very different cry, breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, marked floppiness or a non-fading rash.

## Common questions about colic

How do I know whether it is colic? Colic causes repeated hard-to-soothe crying in a baby who is otherwise well. A clinician may need to exclude feeding problems, reflux, infection or another illness. Do anti-colic drops work? Evidence for anti-colic drops, herbal remedies and probiotic supplements is limited, so NHS guidance does not routinely recommend them. Can colic harm my baby? Colic itself does not usually cause harm, but relentless crying is exhausting. Put your baby safely in their cot and step away briefly if overwhelmed; never shake a baby.

## Sources

- [NHS — Colic](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/)