If your baby cries for hours on end—especially in the evenings—and nothing seems to help, they might be experiencing colic. While it can be distressing for both baby and parent, colic is a common, temporary condition that improves with time and care.
Dr. Samuel Ortiz, Pediatrician at Pacific Children’s Clinic:
“Colic isn’t about something being wrong—it’s often just your baby’s way of adjusting to life outside the womb. The key is to stay calm and supportive.”
What Is Colic?
Colic is defined as frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby. It typically follows the "rule of 3s":
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Crying for 3 or more hours a day
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Occurring 3 or more days a week
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Lasting for at least 3 weeks
Colic usually starts around 2–3 weeks of age and peaks at 6 weeks, often resolving by 3–4 months.
Signs of Colic
✔️ Intense, high-pitched crying that begins suddenly
✔️ Crying at the same time each day (usually evening)
✔️ Clenched fists, arched back, or stiff limbs during episodes
✔️ Difficulty calming down or falling asleep
✔️ Baby appears to be in pain but is otherwise healthy
What Causes Colic? (Theories)
While the exact cause is unknown, possible factors include:
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Immature digestive system or gas buildup
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Overstimulation from the environment
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Infant reflux or food sensitivities
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Developmental changes in the nervous system
💡 Important: Colic is not caused by bad parenting, lack of bonding, or anything you did wrong.
How to Help a Colicky Baby
1. Soothe with Gentle Motion
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Rocking, babywearing, swinging, or a car ride may help
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Rhythmic movement mimics the womb environment
2. Try White Noise
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Soft background sounds or shushing can calm the nervous system
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White noise machines or apps can create a consistent soundscape
3. Offer Comfort Nursing or a Pacifier
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Sucking is naturally soothing, even if your baby isn’t hungry
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Breastfeeding for comfort is okay if baby wants it
4. Use Tummy Time and Tummy Massage
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Gentle clockwise belly rubs or bicycle legs may relieve gas
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Allow tummy-down play when baby is awake and supervised
5. Watch Your Diet (If Breastfeeding)
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Dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, or gassy vegetables can sometimes irritate
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Try eliminating one item at a time and observe changes over a few days
Caring for Yourself Matters Too
Colic can feel exhausting, even defeating. Remember:
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Take breaks when needed—ask a partner or loved one for help
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Don’t hesitate to step away briefly if you feel overwhelmed
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Talk to your pediatrician to rule out other conditions like reflux or allergies
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Join support groups to connect with parents going through the same phase
The Role of Moogco Silver Nursing Cups
Colic often involves increased feeding or cluster nursing, which can lead to nipple discomfort. Moogco Silver Nursing Cups offer safe, antibacterial support to soothe sore nipples naturally, helping breastfeeding moms care for themselves while comforting baby.
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Final Thoughts: This Too Shall Pass
Colic doesn’t mean your baby is sick—or that you’re doing anything wrong. With time, support, and simple calming techniques, you’ll both come through this phase stronger. Be gentle with yourself, and know that brighter days are ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can colic happen even if my baby is gaining weight and feeding well?
Yes, absolutely. Colic occurs in otherwise healthy, thriving babies who are feeding and growing normally. The intense crying episodes don't mean your baby isn't getting enough milk or that something is medically wrong. It's simply a developmental phase that will pass with time.
Is it safe to let my baby cry in the crib if I need a break during a colic episode?
Yes, if you're feeling overwhelmed, it's completely okay to lay your baby down safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. Ensuring your own calm is just as important as soothing your baby. Take deep breaths, ask for help, and return when you're ready.
Does colic mean my baby has a sensitive stomach or food allergy?
Not necessarily. While some babies with colic may have reflux or sensitivity to certain foods in breastmilk, most colicky babies have no underlying digestive issues. If you suspect an allergy or reflux, talk to your pediatrician before making dietary changes. Colic itself is usually temporary and developmental.
Will giving my baby a pacifier during colic make them dependent on it later?
No, using a pacifier for comfort during colic won't create dependency. Sucking is a natural soothing reflex for infants, and pacifiers can help calm an overstimulated or fussy baby. You can always wean from the pacifier later if needed, but during colic, it's a safe and helpful tool.
How do I know if it's colic or something more serious like reflux or an allergy?
Colic involves intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby with no other symptoms. If your baby is spitting up frequently, refusing feeds, has blood in their stool, or isn't gaining weight, those may be signs of reflux or allergy. Always check with your pediatrician if you're concerned or if symptoms change.
Can formula-fed babies get colic, or is it just breastfed babies?
Colic affects both breastfed and formula-fed babies equally. It's not caused by the type of milk your baby receives. While some parents try switching formulas or adjusting diet, colic is typically a developmental stage that resolves on its own, regardless of feeding method.
Should I avoid going out in public during my baby's colic phase?
Not at all. Getting out of the house can actually help both you and your baby. Fresh air, a change of scenery, and gentle motion from a stroller or carrier may even calm a colicky baby. Don't let colic keep you isolated, getting support and staying connected matters for your mental health.
Will my baby remember the colic phase or be affected by all the crying later?
No, babies do not remember colic or suffer long term emotional effects from it. Colic is a temporary phase with no lasting impact on development, temperament, or bonding. What matters most is that you continue to respond with love and care, even on the hardest days.
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About the Editor
Eda Ulger is the editor at Moogco Baby and a mom of two. She curates and edits our guides so every piece is honest, practical, and genuinely helpful for the early days of motherhood.
