What is Colic?
Understanding colic and why babies cry
Most parents hear about colic long before they meet their baby. Then real life begins and suddenly you are left wondering what it actually is, whether your baby has it, and how you’re meant to help a little one who seems so unsettled.
Let’s walk through it together.
What is colic
Colic is a term used when a young baby cries much more than expected and there isn’t an obvious reason why. Newborns cry anyway, which makes it tricky to work out what is normal and what might be something more.
You might be looking at colic if:
• Your baby is under 4 months
• They cry for long stretches, most days
• They are feeding well, gaining weight and have plenty of wet and dirty nappies
• They are hard to soothe
• They clench their fists, pull their knees up, go red in the face or arch their back
If this sounds familiar, it may be colic.
Colic isn’t an illness. It’s a way of describing a pattern of crying that doesn’t have a single clear cause.
Why colic happens
The truth is, no one fully knows. The most likely reason is that your baby’s digestive system is still developing and they’re adjusting to life outside the womb.
The positive part is that colic almost always improves by 3 to 4 months.
There isn’t a specific cure, but there are many gentle ways to keep your baby as settled and comfortable as possible.
Before that, it’s worth checking if something else could be contributing to the crying.
Other reasons babies cry this much
Crying can look the same on the outside, but the cause can be different underneath. A few common things can mimic colic.
Reflux and silent reflux
This feels a bit like indigestion for babies. The valve that keeps milk in the stomach is still maturing. Milk and acid can move back up, causing discomfort.
Signs of reflux or silent reflux can include:
• Crying and fussiness
• Arching backwards
• Disliking lying flat
• Feeding struggles
• Vomiting, or none at all in silent reflux
• Gulping between feeds
• Bubbly saliva
• Pulling a sour face
Reflux often settles with time, but it can be exhausting to manage. Your GP can advise on whether medication might help.
Tension in the body can also make reflux worse. Gentle osteopathic treatment may help ease this tension and support more comfortable feeding and digestion.
Feeding difficulties, wind and discomfort
If feeding feels hard for either of you, your baby may swallow more air or become unsettled from the effort.
You might notice:
• A tricky latch
• Long, tiring feeds each time
• Pain during breastfeeding
• Nipple soreness or damage
Feeding support can make a huge difference. Your health visitor, lactation consultants and feeding groups offer practical help and reassurance.
Some babies also benefit from osteopathic treatment if tension in the jaw or neck is getting in the way of comfortable feeding.
Trapped wind
Wind is incredibly common. Babies generate gas as their digestive system matures. This gas isn’t only from swallowed air, it also forms lower down in the gut.
This can get stuck and cause discomfort.
Tummy massage, gentle leg cycling and time will usually help.
Allergy or intolerance
Less common, but worth knowing about. Babies with allergies may have:
• Frequent vomiting
• Blood or mucous in their nappies
• Loose, watery stools
• Rashes or eczema
• Feed refusal
• Slower weight gain
A family history of allergies makes this more likely. Speak to your GP before changing your diet or your baby’s. A dietician can help if needed.
When to seek urgent help
Trust your instincts. Get medical attention straight away if your baby:
• Is not gaining weight
• Stops feeding
• Has projectile vomiting
• Has green, brown or blood-stained vomit
• Has fewer wet nappies
• Has blood or mucous in their poo
• Has a high temperature, seems unwell or overly sleepy or floppy
You know your baby best.
Helping a baby with colic
There isn’t a magic cure, but simple things can help them feel more settled:
• Holding, soothing and gentle talking
• Keeping them upright after feeds for 20 to 30 minutes
• Regular winding
• Warm baths
• Walks in the pram or sling
• White noise
• The tiger-in-the-tree hold, resting them tummy-down along your forearm
• Tummy time when awake and supervised
Try what feels right and keep things calm and steady.
Looking after yourself matters too
Caring for an unsettled baby is hard, and it’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed or unsure.
Please reach out for support if you need it.
Let someone cuddle the baby while you take a break.
Talk to your partner, friends, health visitor or GP.
Needing help doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human.
How osteopathy may support your baby
Paediatric osteopaths use gentle hands-on techniques to look for and ease areas of tension in your baby’s body. Sometimes this tension makes feeding, winding or digestion more challenging. Supporting your baby’s comfort as they grow can make day-to-day life feel a little smoother.
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