Understanding and Soothing Infant Crying and Colic
All newborns cry. It’s how they tell us they’re hungry, tired, wet, or need some comfort. But sometimes their cry may be something else, especially when the crying becomes intense, lasts for hours, and nothing seems to help.
As a pediatrician, I’ve counseled countless families through this. And as a parent, I’ve lived through it myself.
My last baby began showing signs of colic at exactly three weeks old. Like clockwork, she would start crying—hard—at around 3 a.m. and wouldn’t stop until nearly 6 a.m. I had to be up for work by 6. I was tired, frustrated, and honestly, a little overwhelmed. It was one of the hardest stretches of parenting I’ve faced, even knowing all the science behind it. Luckily, for us, it passed after a few weeks. But for many families I work with, it lasts longer and sometimes takes a toll on them.
So now let’s talk about what colic really is, how to tell when crying is normal, and what can help soothe a crying baby.
What Is Colic?
Colic is frequent, intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, usually starting at around 3 weeks of life. It often resolves by 3 to 4 months, thank goodness.
The classic pattern of colic crying is that it:
Starts suddenly
Happens at the same time each day (often late evening or early morning)
Lasts 3 or more hours
Happens at least 3 days a week for 3 weeks or more
During colic episodes, babies sometimes clench their fists, arch their backs, and pull their legs up. Many new parents think they’re in pain or having a bad reflux—but nothing is clearly wrong with them.
We’re still not completely sure. Some experts argue it's due to their immature digestion, too much gas in the stomach, sensitivity to stimulation, while others just think it is how babies process the world.
So Which Cry Is Normal?
If your baby cries but can be soothed with feeding, rocking, or a change in position, it’s likely normal. If the crying is constant and intense no matter what you do to pacify them, and happens daily almost at the same time, it may be colic.
What Can You Do for Colic?
There’s no quick fix, to be honest—but there are things that help. Here are evidence-based strategies I share with parents, and some of them I have used myself:
Try Soothing Techniques
Hold your baby skin-to-skin
Rock gently or use a baby swing
Walk while holding your baby in a carrier
Use white noise or soft music
Swaddle snugly (only for newborns who haven’t started rolling)These create a calming environment and may reduce stimulation and help to soothe your baby.
Offer a Pacifier
Sucking can soothe babies. If your baby accepts a pacifier, it can help during crying spells.Check for Gas or Discomfort
Burp your baby often during and after feeds. You can also try bicycle leg movements or gentle tummy massage to release trapped gas. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying.Adjust Feeding if Needed
If you are breastfeeding, sometimes cutting out dairy or caffeine from your diet helps—but this isn’t always necessary. If you’re using formula, talk to your pediatrician before switching. Most babies don’t need specialty formulas.Use a Warm Bath or Tummy Time
A warm bath or a short tummy time session can sometimes relax your baby or provide distraction.Take Breaks When You Need Them
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to place your baby in a safe space and take a moment. Your well-being matters too.
🔬 Myth vs. Medicine Spotlight: What Research Says
🧠 Myth: “Colic can’t be helped; parents just have to ride it out.”
It’s a common belief that colic is something parents must endure. While it’s true that colic often resolves on its own, evidence shows that certain interventions may reduce crying time and parental stress.
📚 Key Study #1
A 2020 systematic review by Ellwood et al., published in BMJ Open, evaluated 32 high-quality reviews and national guidelines on treatments for infantile colic—a common but distressing condition in early infancy. The study compared probiotics, manual therapy, simethicone, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for their effects on crying, sleep, and distress. The review found probiotics to be the most effective in reducing daily crying time (by 25 to 65 minutes) specifically in breastfed infants.
Manual therapy (e.g., chiropractic or osteopathic techniques) also showed some promise, with moderate to low-quality evidence indicating reduced crying by 33 to 76 minutes daily. However, simethicone showed no consistent benefit, and PPIs were not effective and are not recommended due to a lack of symptom relief and potential side effects. Notably, all guidelines reviewed emphasized the importance of parent education, reassurance, and clinical evaluation, although they did not consistently recommend the most evidence-supported treatments (like probiotics). The authors concluded that while some interventions hold promise, the cornerstone of care remains reassurance, support, and safety monitoring.
🩺 Pediatrician Insight
As a pediatrician, I’ve seen both sides. While not every baby responds to the same intervention, I’ve found that combining evidence-based approaches with close observation and support helps many families. And as a parent, I can confirm—it’s incredibly hard in the moment, but support and strategy really do make a difference.
When to Call the Pediatrician
Always reach out if:
Your baby isn’t gaining weight
The cry sounds different or urgent
There’s vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or signs of illness
You feel exhausted, anxious, or unsure about your baby’s health
As I’ve said before, I’ve had parents call just because their baby “seemed off.” That was the right instinct. One mother’s call led us to catch a serious infection early. Trust yourself—and ask for help.
My Personal Experience
During those long nights with my colicky baby, I questioned everything. I had the training and the knowledge—and still, I was exhausted. I needed support too.
That’s something I always keep in mind when I talk to families. Caring for a colicky baby is exhausting. Colic shakes confidence. But it passes.
You’re Not Alone
If your baby cries constantly, if you’re not sure it’s normal, or if you just need support—we’re here.
As a pediatrician, and as a parent who’s paced the floor at 3 a.m., I’ll help you figure it out and find what works.
📚 References
Ellwood J, Draper-Rodi J, Carnes D. Comparison of common interventions for the treatment of infantile colic: a systematic review of reviews and guidelines. BMJ Open. 2020;10(3):e035405. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035405. PMCID: PMC7202698
