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.
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.
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.