Babies cry for a lot of reasons – hunger, dirty diaper, discomfort, boredom, or just a need for attention.

But what if your little one cries inconsolably for hours, days, or even weeks? It could be colic, a common but frustrating condition that affects up to 40% of infants in their first few months of life. Colic is not a disease, but a cluster of symptoms that include:.

Intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
Arched back, clenched fists, and tense muscles
Unable to be soothed by feeding, changing, or holding
Short periods of sleep interrupted by crying

Colic usually begins around two to four weeks of age and can last until three to four months old, although some babies may have colic for longer. The causes of colic are not fully understood, but some theories include:.

Immature digestive system – gas, reflux, or food intolerance
Oversensitivity to external stimuli – noise, light, or touch
Anxiety or overstimulation – from the baby or the caregiver
Hormonal changes – in the baby or the mother

What to Do When Your Baby Has Colic

As a parent, seeing your baby in distress can be heartbreaking and overwhelming. You may feel helpless, frustrated, exhausted, and stressed. However, you are not alone, and there are things you can do to ease your baby’s pain and your own tension.

1. Rule out other causes of crying

Although colic is often the culprit of a crying baby, it’s wise to rule out other causes, such as hunger, tiredness, wet or dirty diaper, too cold or too hot, or illness or injury.

Feed your baby if it’s been more than two or three hours since the last feeding, check their diaper and change it if necessary, make sure the room temperature is comfortable, and look for signs of fever, rash, or discomfort.

2. Comfort and soothe your baby

Even if you can’t stop your baby’s crying completely, you can still offer comfort and soothing that may help them relax and feel better. Some techniques to try include:.

Holding your baby in a comforting position, such as tummy-down over your forearm or chest-to-chest with their head on your shoulder
Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket, but not too tightly or too loose
Gently rocking your baby or using a baby swing or vibrating chair
Soothing your baby with soft music, white noise, or other calming sounds
Offering a pacifier or a clean finger to suck on, if your baby likes it
Massaging your baby’s tummy or back with gentle strokes
Walking or bouncing your baby in a carrier or sling
Talking softly or singing to your baby in a soothing voice
Taking your baby for a car ride or a walk outside, if it’s safe

3. Try different feeding techniques

Since colic may be related to digestive problems such as gas and reflux, changing the way you feed your baby may help ease their discomfort. Some suggestions to consider include:.

Feeding your baby in a more upright position, such as in a bouncy seat, a high chair, or your lap with their head raised
Burping your baby frequently during and after meals, and trying different burping positions, such as over your shoulder or lying on their tummy on your lap
Switching to a different formula, if you are using formula, or eliminating certain foods from your diet if you are breastfeeding, such as dairy, soy, or spicy foods
Offering smaller and more frequent feedings, and not forcing your baby to finish the bottle or breast if they are not hungry
Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol if you are breastfeeding, as they can irritate your baby’s digestive system

4. Seek support and help

Caring for a baby with colic can be exhausting and draining, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to take care of yourself too, and to seek support and help when you need it. Some sources of support and help include:.

Family, friends, or neighbors who can offer a helping hand, such as preparing meals, doing laundry, or watching the baby while you nap or shower
Online or in-person support groups for parents of colicky babies, where you can share your experiences, vent your frustrations, and get tips and advice from others
A healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or a lactation consultant, who can evaluate your baby’s health and offer guidance on feeding, soothing, and managing colic
A mental health professional, such as a therapist or a counselor, who can help you cope with your feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, and offer strategies for self-care and relaxation

When to Call a Doctor

Although colic is not a medical emergency, there are some signs that may indicate a more serious problem and require medical attention. Call your doctor or take your baby to the emergency room if:.

Your baby’s crying is accompanied by vomiting, fever, diarrhea, rash, or other symptoms of illness or discomfort
Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight
Your baby has a yellowish tint to their skin or eyes, which may indicate jaundice
Your baby’s crying is so strong and persistent that you fear harming yourself or the baby, or feel overwhelmed and unable to cope

Remember that colic is temporary, and most babies outgrow it by four months of age. Meanwhile, stay patient, stay calm, and stay hopeful. Your baby may cry, but they also smile, laugh, and coo, and those moments of joy can outweigh the tears.