Infant Colic: Soothing Your Crying Baby and Caring for Yourself
If your newborn cries for hours every evening and nothing you do seems to help, you are not doing anything wrong — and you are not alone. Colic affects up to 1 in 4 babies, peaks around 6 weeks, and almost always resolves by 3–4 months. Here is how to get through it.
What is colic? The rule of 3s
Doctors define colic with the “rule of 3s”: crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. Colicky crying often starts in the late afternoon or evening, comes in waves, and the baby may clench fists, arch the back, or pass gas.
The cause is not fully understood — an immature nervous system and digestive tract are the leading theories. Importantly: colic is not caused by bad parenting, “bad” breast milk, or anything you did. And it does not mean your baby is in pain from a disease — colicky babies feed well and gain weight normally between episodes.
Soothing techniques worth trying
- The 5 S's (from Dr. Harvey Karp): Swaddle snugly, hold on their side or stomach (for calming only — always place baby on their back to sleep), shush loudly near the ear, swing with small jiggly motions, and offer something to suck.
- Motion — a car ride, stroller walk, or baby swing. The monotony is the point.
- White noise — a fan, a shushing app, or the vacuum cleaner. Womb-like sound is deeply calming.
- Warm bath together, or a warm towel on the tummy.
- Check the basics first — hungry? wet? burp needed? too hot or cold? Sometimes it really is something simple.
- Rule out feeding issues — if crying comes with poor weight gain, vomiting, or bloody stools, talk to your pediatrician (possible milk protein allergy or reflux).
What to skip
- Gripe water and “colic drops” — no good evidence they work; some contain alcohol or sugar.
- Switching formulas repeatedly — discuss with your pediatrician before changing; most colic is not a formula problem.
- Herbal teas — not safe for young infants.
When crying needs medical attention
- Fever (100.4°F+ rectal) in a baby under 3 months — ER immediately
- Forceful or green vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or unusual sleepiness
- Crying that is suddenly different — high-pitched, inconsolable, or with a rigid/bloated belly
Taking care of YOU
This part matters as much as anything above. Hours of crying trigger a genuine stress response — racing heart, tension, even anger. That is biology, not failure.
- It is okay to put the baby down in a safe place (crib, on their back) and step away for a few minutes to breathe. A crying baby in a safe crib is safe.
- Take shifts. Trade off with a partner, family member, or friend — even an hour helps.
- Ask for help early, not when you are at a breaking point.
- If you ever feel you might shake or harm your baby, put them down safely and call someone immediately — a partner, a neighbor, or a crisis line. Never shake a baby.
Related reading: vomiting & diarrhea, dehydration signs.
Sources
This guide was reviewed against guidance from:
Frequently asked questions
What is the rule of 3s for colic?
Crying more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It is a description, not a disease.
When does colic go away?
Colic typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and resolves by 3–4 months. It feels endless in the moment, but it does end.
Does gripe water help colic?
There is no good evidence that gripe water or colic drops work, and some contain alcohol or sugar. Soothing techniques and time are the proven remedies.
Is it okay to let a colicky baby cry?
Yes — placing your baby safely on their back in the crib and stepping away for a few minutes when you are overwhelmed is the safe, responsible choice. A crying baby in a safe crib is a safe baby.
Could the crying be something besides colic?
If crying comes with fever, vomiting, blood in stool, poor feeding, or poor weight gain, see your pediatrician — those point to medical causes like milk protein allergy or reflux, not colic.
Reviewed by Ali Ozcan, MD, MBA
Board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician and creator of ER4Kids. This guide reflects the same trusted, evidence-based guidance Dr. Ozcan provides to families in the emergency department.
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