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Colic in a newborn: causes and what helps

2026-05-26 12:00 Feeding
In short: Colic is an episode of prolonged crying in a healthy baby for no apparent reason, usually in the first 3 months. The exact cause is unknown. Most remedies "for colic" do not have proven effectiveness. The main thing is the support of the mother and patience: colic goes away on its own.

What is colic: definition

The classic medical definition (rule of three): colic is crying in a healthy baby for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in a child under the age of 3-4 months. This is called the Wessel criteria.
In practice, many parents and doctors use a broader concept: long, hard-to-calm crying in a healthy, well-nourished child. According to various sources, colic affects from 10 to 40% of babies - regardless of the type of feeding, culture and country.

When does colic begin and when does it end?

Colic usually begins in the first 2-3 weeks of life, peaks by 6-8 weeks and gradually disappears by 3-4 months. It is important to remember this in the most difficult moments: it is not forever.
A typical "pattern" of colic is the evening hours. The child cries the most in the period from 17 to 22-23 hours, although in some children the crying is distributed differently. Often at this time, parents feel completely powerless - this is a normal reaction to the inability to calm the child.

Why colic occurs: theories

The exact cause of colic is still unknown. There are several theories:
  • Immaturity of the digestive system – the intestines of a newborn are just learning to work, gas formation is intensified
  • Immaturity of the nervous system – the child does not know how to cope with sensory overload and overexcitement
  • Imbalance of intestinal microflora – babies with colic are found to have an increased number of certain types of bacteria that produce gas
  • Allergy or intolerance to cow's milk protein – in some cases; it is suspected in severe colic in children on breastfeeding with the active use of dairy products by the mother
  • Psychological stress of the mother and the family environment affects the perception of colic, but, possibly, their severity
It is important to know: Colic is not "bad motherhood", not a consequence of improper feeding and not a sign that something is seriously wrong. This is a temporary condition that passes.

Colic during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding

Colic occurs in children on both types of feeding with approximately the same frequency. However, when breastfeeding , it is important to make sure that the baby latches on correctly and does not swallow a lot of air. With frequent attachments , the baby can receive a lot of "front" milk with a lot of lactose, which increases gas formation.
With bottle feeding, the cause may be a chosen formula or a bottle with a fast flow (the baby eats too quickly and swallows air). Anti-colic bottles with ventilation systems can help some babies.

What helps with colic: research evidence

Unfortunately, most popular "remedies for colic" have a weak evidence base or do not work better than placebos. Here's what the science says:

Methods with moderate evidence

  • Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938) – Shown to reduce crying time in babies on breastfeeding in several randomized trials. In infants on formula, the results are less convincing. Discuss with a pediatrician before use.
  • Elimination of cow's milk protein from the mother's diet helps some babies on breastfeeding with severe colic. Usually, the effect is noticeable after 1-2 weeks.
  • Hydrolyzed formula – In some children on IV, it can relieve symptoms.

Methods of sedation without drugs

  • Rocking, carrying in your arms - physical contact and rhythmic movement in itself calm the child
  • White noise – the sound of a hair dryer, the sound of water, special applications. Imitates sounds in the womb
  • Swaddling – tight swaddling reduces sensory overload
  • Warmth on the abdomen – a warm hand or a heating pad on the abdomen (not hot!) helps to relax the muscles of the intestines
  • Lying on the stomach – in between feedings, under supervision
  • A change of scenery – a walk in the fresh air, a trip by car

What doesn't work or requires caution

  • Simethicone (Espumisan, Bobotik and analogues) does not exceed the placebo effect in controlled trials. Nevertheless, it is safe and helps some children subjectively
  • Dill Water, Fennel Teas – No Reliable Safety and Efficacy Data for Babies Under 6 Months
  • Changes in the mother's diet "just in case" - strict restrictions without a confirmed connection are not recommended

The connection between colic and feeding: what to check

If you suspect a connection between colic and feeding, it is worth assessing:
  • Correct grip during breastfeeding (a lot of air when sucking?)
  • Is the mixture diluted correctly?
  • Is the flow of the bottle nipple too fast?
  • Coincidence with the introduction of new products into the diet of a nursing mother
Read more about feeding problems in breastfeeding in the articles regurgitation in an infant and frequent latching to the breast.

How to support yourself during colic

Colic is difficult not only for the child, but also for the parents. Prolonged crying causes severe stress, anxiety, guilt and helplessness. This is normal.
  • If the baby is crying, and you are "at the limit", put him in a safe place and give yourself 10-15 minutes
  • Ask for help from your partner, relatives
  • Alternate those who calm the child
  • Remember: colic is not your fault, and it will go away
The connection between colic and sleep disorders is a common story. If your child doesn't sleep well at night because of anxiety, read why your child wakes up often at night.

When to see a doctor

Crying does not always mean colic. Call your doctor right away if:
  • The child cries continuously for more than 2 hours and does not calm down by any methods
  • Crying is accompanied by vomiting, blood in the stool, bloating
  • The child has a high fever
  • The child looks sick, lethargic, refuses to eat
  • The crying has changed in nature - it has become sharper, higher
  • Colic does not go away after 4 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can colic be a sign of something serious?

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion. The doctor must rule out organic causes: intussusception, hernias, infections, gastroesophageal reflux. If the child is healthy the rest of the time, eats well and gains weight, the cause is most likely functional.

Is colic related to the child's character in the future?

No. Studies do not show a link between colic in infancy and the characteristics of the child's character, temperament or mental development in the future.

Conclusion

Colic is a difficult, but temporary period in the life of a family. They disappear by 3-4 months in almost all children. There is no strict diet, "magic" drops or special mixture. The main thing is to support the child, take care of yourself and not lose sight of the real alarming symptoms that require medical attention.

Bibliography

  1. Wessel MA, et al. Paroxysmal fussing in infancy, sometimes called colic. Pediatrics. 1954; 14:421–435.
  2. Savino F, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic. Pediatrics. 2010.
  3. Vandenplas Y, et al. Colic: current knowledge and future perspectives. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2015.
  4. Johnson JD, Cocker K, Chang E. Infantile Colic: Recognition and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2015.
  5. National program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation. Union of Pediatricians of Russia, 2019.
  6. Lomer MCE, Parkes GC, Sanderson JD. Lactose intolerance in clinical practice. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2008.
  7. NICE Guideline. Colic — infantile. Clinical Knowledge Summary. 2022.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. If a child has alarming symptoms, a pronounced deterioration in health, problems with breathing, feeding or weight gain, it is necessary to contact a qualified medical specialist as soon as possible, and not rely only on information from the Internet.