Colic in Babies – Symptoms & Treatment

 

Colic in Babies – Symptoms & Treatment

Welcoming a new baby into your life is joyful, but it can also come with challenges—especially if your little one cries excessively for no clear reason. If your baby cries for hours on end, especially in the evening, they might be experiencing colic.

Understanding colic, its symptoms, and how to manage it can bring relief for both you and your baby.

What Is Colic?

Colic is a common condition in babies under 3 months old. It’s defined as frequent, prolonged, and intense crying in an otherwise healthy infant. While colic isn’t harmful and usually resolves on its own, it can be distressing for parents.

Common Symptoms of Colic – Explained

Colic can be distressing not only for babies but also for parents who are unsure what’s causing the prolonged crying. Here’s a deeper look at the most common signs of colic, so you can recognise the patterns and seek the right support.

1. Crying for More Than 3 Hours a Day

Babies with colic typically cry for over 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, and this pattern can persist for 3 weeks or more. Unlike typical hunger or tiredness cries, colic crying is more intense, high-pitched, and difficult to soothe. It may feel like nothing is working—feeding, rocking, or cuddling.

2. Crying Episodes in the Late Afternoon or Evening

These crying spells usually begin in the late afternoon or early evening. This timing can be especially hard on parents who are already tired from the day. The baby may appear fine in the morning, but as the day progresses, the fussiness escalates.

3. Physical Signs: Clenched Fists, Arched Back, or Knees Pulled In

Babies often show physical signs of distress during a colic episode. These may include clenching their fists tightly, arching their back as if in discomfort, or drawing their knees up toward their chest—commonly seen in cases of gas or tummy pain.

4. Red or Flushed Face During Crying

The prolonged crying can cause your baby’s face to become red or flushed. This isn't harmful in itself, but it can be alarming for parents and is often a visual cue of colic-related stress.

5. Frequent Gas or Appearing Gassy

Many babies with colic seem to have gas—either passing wind often or appearing bloated. It's unclear whether gas causes the colic or is a result of swallowing air during intense crying, but relieving trapped wind (burping, tummy massages) may help.

6. Difficulty Sleeping and Feeding

Colic can disrupt your baby’s feeding and sleeping routines. Some babies may refuse to feed or seem hungry but struggle to settle during a feed. The discomfort also makes it harder for them to fall and stay asleep, resulting in overtiredness—which can worsen the crying spells.

Why It Happens

The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but several factors may contribute:

  • Digestive immaturity: Some babies may have trouble processing milk or formula.
  • Overstimulation: Babies take in a lot of new information each day. By evening, their nervous system may become overwhelmed.
  • Gas or gut discomfort: An underdeveloped digestive system might lead to trapped gas or indigestion.
  • Sensitivity to environment or diet: Certain formula types or even foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet may affect some babies.

Treatment Options for Colic

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but the following can help soothe your baby:

1. Comforting Techniques

  • Swaddle your baby in a soft blanket
  • Use white noise or gentle rocking
  • Offer a pacifier
  • Give a warm bath or tummy massage

2. Feeding Adjustments

  • Burp your baby frequently during feeds
  • Check for proper latching (if breastfeeding)
  • Consider hypoallergenic formulas after speaking with a healthcare provider

3. Medical Advice

If symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to speak with a GP or telehealth doctor. In Australia, you can easily book an instantconsult with an online doctor who can assess your baby and recommend next steps.

Depending on the situation, a web doctor may provide guidance or issue an online prescription (also known as an escript) for treatments like infant probiotics or anti-gas drops—if deemed necessary.

When to Seek Help

Although colic often resolves by 3–4 months of age, always consult a telehealth doctor or access GP care online if:

  • Your baby has a fever
  • Vomiting or diarrhea occurs
  • They aren't feeding or gaining weight
  • Crying sounds unusual or is accompanied by other symptoms

Thanks to modern healthcare, parents can access GP support, online prescriptions, and reassurance through telehealth without leaving home. This is especially helpful during the newborn phase when going out can be difficult.

Final Thoughts

Colic can be exhausting, but remember—it's temporary. With a combination of soothing strategies and support from a qualified onlinedoctor, you can get through this phase with more confidence.

If you're feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to schedule an instant consult with a telehealth doctor or get a quick escript for any recommended remedies. Reliable GP access is just a few clicks away.

 

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