Colic

Colic means your otherwise healthy baby cries excessively for no apparent reason. Healthcare providers define colic as intense crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks. Often, there’s nothing you can do to relieve your crying baby.

All babies cry — it’s the way they communicate their needs. But a colicky baby is inconsolable and screams without any obvious cause. The crying usually starts suddenly at about the same time every day, often in the afternoon or evening hours. However, when your baby isn’t crying, they act completely normal.

While colic in babies is harmless and passes quickly, the condition can be frustrating for parents. Managing a baby’s colic only adds to the stress and fatigue of new parenthood. Researchers have linked the condition to postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome. Therefore, if your baby has colic, it’s important to reach out for help if you need it.

When does colic start?

Colic typically starts within the first few weeks after birth. It peaks between 4 and 6 weeks of age. Then, it usually ends rather abruptly when your baby is 3 to 4 months old.

How common is colic?

Colic is a very common condition. It affects about 20% of babies worldwide, although some studies suggest the rate is even higher. Infant colic is the reason for 10% to 20% of pediatrician visits during the early weeks of a baby’s life. Colic affects all babies equally, regardless of:

• Gender.
• Ethnicity.
• Socioeconomic status.
• Feeding preference.
• Birth order.