What is Colic? Understanding and Managing Infant Colic

What is Colic?

Colic is described as recurring periods of intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, without an obvious cause, and difficult to soothe. Medical definitions have evolved over time:

• In the 1950s, paediatrician Morris Wessel defined colic as more than three hours of crying per day, at least three days a week, for three weeks.
• Today, ROME IV criteria are used, which focus more on parents’ perceptions of the baby’s well-being.

Colic is common and usually harmless, but it can be very challenging.

Signs of Colic in Infants

Common signs may include:

• Intense crying that is hard to soothe
• Tense body, arched back, drawn-up legs
• Red cheeks and strong kicking or flailing movements
• Gas problems or difficulty with bowel movements
• Vomiting after feeding
• Difficulty settling or sleeping

Observing these signs can help you understand what your baby is experiencing and which strategies may provide relief.

Common Causes of Colic

The exact cause of colic isn’t always clear, but some factors may contribute:

• Tight tongue-tie – can make feeding more difficult
• Immature gut flora – newborns’ digestive systems are still developing
• Cow’s milk protein intolerance – may require a temporary milk-free alternative
• Physiological or neurological factors – e.g., heightened sensitivity to stimuli

Research also suggests that some babies with colic may later develop migraines or other sensitivity-related conditions.

Expert Tips: How to Soothe Colic

Here are some practical strategies that may help:

• Keep the baby close – skin-to-skin contact can soothe both baby and parent.
• Comfort through movement – rocking, walks, or a baby sling can help.
• Change feeding position – to avoid the baby swallowing too much air.
• Gentle tummy massage – clockwise movements can help with gas and digestion.
• Create a calm environment – dim lighting, soft background noise, or white noise can be soothing.
• Try different feeding options – if cow’s milk protein intolerance is suspected, discuss with your paediatrician.
• Support and advice – join parent groups or consult your health visitor/paediatrician.

When to Seek Medical Help

Always contact your paediatrician or health visitor if:

• The crying is extreme or doesn’t stop
• The baby has a fever, blood in their stool, or is losing weight
• You suspect intolerance or other medical issues

Early support makes recovery easier and can prevent complications.