Colic is when a healthy baby cries a lot and is hard to settle, with no obvious cause. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) describes it as crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least a week. It usually starts after a few weeks and stops by 3 to 4 months.
This guide covers the signs of colic, what parents commonly try to soothe a crying baby, what does not help, and when to see a doctor. Zawadi Baby Shop is a baby shop, not a clinic. If you are worried about your baby at any point, see your clinic or paediatrician.
What are the signs of colic in babies?
The main sign of colic is long, intense crying in a baby who is otherwise feeding and growing well. The NHS lists these signs to look out for while your baby is crying:
| Sign | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Hard to soothe | Holding, feeding or changing your baby does not settle the crying |
| Clenched fists | Your baby’s hands are balled up tightly while they cry |
| Red face | The face goes red or flushed during a crying bout |
| Legs and back | Knees pulled up to the tummy, or the back arched |
| Rumbling tummy | You can hear or feel the tummy rumbling |
Crying can have other causes. If your baby also has a high temperature, is feeding poorly, is vomiting, or seems unwell in any other way, see your clinic the same day.
How long does colic last?
Colic usually stops by the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old. The NHS says it can start when a baby is a few weeks old, and should get better by around 3 or 4 months of age.
Those weeks can feel very long. It helps to remember that colic passes. If your baby still has colic symptoms after 4 months of age, see your clinic or paediatrician.
What causes colic in babies?
No one knows exactly what causes colic. The NHS says it may be because young babies find it harder to digest food, or because some babies have problems with food allergies. Because the cause is unclear, there is no single fix, and what settles one baby may not settle another.
If you think a food allergy could be involved, for example because your baby also has a rash, vomiting or diarrhoea, talk to your clinic before you change any feeds.
How do parents soothe a baby with colic?
Nothing works for every baby, but the NHS suggests these things parents can try:
- Hold or cuddle your baby when they are crying a lot.
- Sit or hold your baby upright during feeds, so they swallow less air.
- Wind (burp) your baby after feeds.
- Gently rock your baby over your shoulder, rock them in their cot, or push them in their pram.
- Give your baby a warm bath.
- Have some gentle background noise, such as the radio or television, to distract them.
- Keep feeding your baby as usual. If you are breastfeeding, the NHS says you do not need to change your diet.
Many parents find a simple baby carrier useful on long evenings, because it keeps a crying baby close and upright while leaving your hands free. Always keep your baby’s face visible and their chin off their chest. You can compare the options in our baby carriers range.
Adjustable straps and breathable fabric, for newborns and toddlers.
KSh 1,500
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
After a warm bath, a hooded baby towel keeps your baby’s head covered while you dry and dress them.
Do anti-colic drops or anti-colic bottles help?
The NHS says anti-colic drops, herbal remedies and probiotic supplements are not recommended, and that there is no evidence they help colic. Do not give your baby any drops, herbs or medicine unless your clinic or doctor has advised it.
Anti-colic bottles are feeding bottles with an air vent, designed so your baby swallows less air while feeding. The NHS colic advice does not mention bottles, so think of a vented bottle as a feeding choice, not a colic remedy. If you bottle-feed, the steps the NHS does suggest are holding your baby upright during feeds and winding them afterwards.
Our guide to newborn feeding bottles compares the main types. If you use formula, talk to your clinic before switching to a different formula.
Momeasy Newborn Bottle Gift Set
Vented bottle with a wide neck and a soft teat.
KSh 2,500
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
When should you see a doctor about a crying baby?
See your clinic or paediatrician if you are worried about your baby’s crying, if nothing you try helps, if your baby is not feeding well or gaining weight, or if colic symptoms continue after 4 months of age.
Go to the nearest hospital straight away if your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry, or a cry that does not sound like their normal cry. The NHS lists both as signs that need urgent help. Go at once, too, if your baby seems very unwell in any other way.
How can parents cope with a baby who has colic?
Looking after a baby with colic is exhausting, and it is not a sign that you are doing anything wrong. The NHS suggests getting support from other parents, family and friends, and from your health workers.
If the crying becomes too much, put your baby down safely on their back in their cot, leave the room for a few minutes, and breathe. Never shake a baby. Taking turns with a partner or relative on the evening shift helps many families get some rest.
Where can you buy baby carriers and feeding bottles in Nairobi?
You can see our carriers, feeding bottles and sterilisers and baby towels at Zawadi Baby Shop, Shop F12, IBEA Building, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call or WhatsApp 0706 561 855 before you visit.
You can also order online, pay with Lipa na M-Pesa, and we deliver across Kenya. If you are breastfeeding, our breastfeeding guide covers the basics for the first months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does colic last in babies?
Colic usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and stops by 3 to 4 months of age, according to the UK National Health Service. If your baby still has colic symptoms after 4 months, see your clinic or paediatrician.
What is the rule of three for colic?
Colic is often described as crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least a week, in a baby who is otherwise healthy. It helps you describe the pattern, but only a health worker can rule out other causes.
Do anti-colic drops work?
The UK National Health Service says anti-colic drops, herbal remedies and probiotic supplements are not recommended, because there is no evidence they help colic. Do not give your baby any drops or medicine unless your clinic or doctor advises it.
Can a baby carrier help with colic?
Many parents find that holding a crying baby close and upright helps them settle, and a carrier lets you do that with your hands free. It does not change the colic itself. Keep your baby’s face visible and check the carrier suits their weight.
When should I worry about my baby crying?
Go to hospital straight away if your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry, or a cry that does not sound normal. See your clinic if nothing settles your baby, if they are not feeding or gaining weight, or if you are worried.
