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- Colic is not a disease: paroxysmal crying in a healthy infant is linked to the immaturity of the digestive and nervous systems and resolves on its own.
- Typical picture: the baby pulls the legs up, turns red, strains, the abdomen is distended, passing wind is difficult, and it is hard to soothe the child.
- Timing of the attacks: the episodes recur at the same hours, more often in the afternoon or evening, and end suddenly.
- Urgent reasons: a rise in temperature, vomiting, blood in the stool, refusal to feed or unusual lethargy require a visit to the doctor without delay.
- Who manages it: a paediatrician, and in newborns in the first weeks — a neonatologist; there are no separate tests to confirm colic.
What are infantile colic
Infantile colic refers to periods of intense restlessness and crying in a healthy baby, which most often occur in the afternoon or evening. It is important for parents to understand that this condition is not a disease and resolves on its own over time.
What happens in the body
Infantile colic consists of episodes of crying and tension in a healthy infant, the cause of which lies in the immaturity of the digestive and nervous systems. A baby's gut is still only learning to work in a coordinated way, so contractions of its walls may be uneven and painful. Nervous regulation at this age is also immature, which is why signals from the gut are perceived especially acutely. Accumulated gas stretches the intestinal walls and causes discomfort that the baby does not yet know how to tolerate calmly. During an episode the baby pulls up the legs, turns red, strains and cannot be soothed even in an adult's arms. In some babies such episodes happen more often, in others less often, and this does not indicate any disease. Parents should remember that such behaviour is not a whim and not a sign that something is wrong with the baby.
What causes it to develop
- Immaturity of the gut and nervous regulation: a baby's digestive system is still developing, so its contractions are not always coordinated and may cause restlessness.
- Swallowing air during feeding: if the baby sucks greedily or does not latch onto the breast tightly, air enters the stomach and increases discomfort.
- Individual reaction to formula or the mother's diet: in some babies the composition of the feeding causes a more pronounced response than in others, although this is not related to disease.
- Overstimulation and tiredness: an excess of impressions during the day accumulates, and in the evening the nervous system responds to this with increased crying.
- Excess gas in the gut: accumulated gas stretches the intestinal walls, which becomes one of the frequent causes of episodes.
Who experiences this more often
Most families with infants experience periods of intense crying and restlessness, and this does not depend on how carefully parents look after the baby. Most often such episodes appear in the first months of life, when the digestive and nervous systems are still only adapting to working outside the womb. In some babies the episodes occur almost every evening, in others only occasionally, and the difference here is determined by the individual characteristics of the baby. External circumstances also influence the frequency: the atmosphere at home, the feeding routine and how many impressions the baby receives during the day. Babies who are often passed from hand to hand or surrounded by noise may react more violently than calm infants. It is useful for parents to know that the difference in behaviour between babies is a normal phenomenon, not a reason for alarm. Observing one's own baby helps adults better understand their condition and stay calm.
What symptoms can occur?
Infantile colic is recognised by prolonged loud crying that is difficult to soothe, and by a tense abdomen with drawn-up legs. The episodes usually come at the same time of day and end as suddenly as they began.
How it is noticed at the very beginning
Infantile colic at the very beginning is noticed by crying that cannot be stopped by the usual methods. The baby draws the legs up to the abdomen and noticeably tenses it, and the face reddens at the same time. Parents often put such behaviour down to tiredness or hunger, because outwardly the child looks healthy. The episodes come at approximately the same time of day, more often in the evening, and last a long time. Between episodes the baby is calm, feeds and gains weight, so at first this does not cause alarm. The abdomen is distended, gas passes with difficulty, and the child calms down briefly after it. If the crying repeats day after day at the same hours, it is worth showing the child to a paediatrician in order to rule out other causes of restlessness.
Signs that occur most often
- Prolonged crying without an obvious cause: the child cries for a long time, and the usual methods of soothing do not help.
- Drawing up of the legs and tension of the abdomen: the baby's body tenses, the legs are pulled towards the abdomen.
- Reddening of the face during an episode: the skin reddens, which indicates severe tension and discomfort.
- Difficulty soothing: the usual techniques do not work, and the episode runs its course.
- Abdominal distension and gas: the abdomen is distended, gas passes with difficulty and brings relief only briefly.
- Episodes at a certain time of day: the crying repeats at the same hours, more often towards evening.
When to seek urgent help
Examinations and tests
There are no separate tests that confirm infantile colic, so the examination is based on a physical examination and a conversation. The doctor's task is to rule out other conditions that can cause similar distress.
How the examination begins
The examination begins with a paediatrician's assessment and an evaluation of the child's general condition, because it is the examination that provides the first clues. The doctor looks at how the child is gaining weight and growing, and how the child responds to the examination and touch. This is followed by a conversation with the parents about feeding and sleeping patterns, and about how often and at what time the crying episodes occur. Parents describe the nature of the crying, its duration and its connection with feeding, and the doctor compares this information with the findings of the examination. Observing the episodes and their connection with feeding helps to understand whether the distress coincides with mealtimes. If the picture remains unclear, the doctor, if necessary, rules out other causes of distress so as not to miss a condition that requires separate attention. Parents should record the times of episodes and feedings in advance so that the conversation at the appointment is specific.
What is prescribed and what it shows
What to prepare for the appointment
- Observation diary: records of the times of crying episodes and feedings help the doctor to see a pattern and assess whether the distress coincides with food.
- Information about feeding: how often and in what volume the child eats, how the child behaves during and after feeding, this is important for assessing the pattern.
- Sleep data: how much and when the child sleeps, how the child falls asleep and wakes up, because sleep disturbances often go hand in hand with distress.
- Discharge summaries and previous results: conclusions from other doctors and available examinations show what has already been checked and what conclusions were drawn earlier.
- Questions for the doctor: a list formulated in advance of what worries the parents helps not to forget anything and to get clear answers at the appointment.
Which doctor should I see?
This section explains which specialist to consult for infant colic, what happens at the first appointment and what areas of care the support consists of.
Which specialist manages this condition
Infant colic is managed by a paediatrician, and in babies in their first month of life also by a neonatologist. The paediatrician observes the child from birth, knows the features of their development and applies this information to assessing the distress. The neonatologist becomes involved when it concerns a newborn in the first weeks after discharge from the maternity hospital. If a specialist is not available nearby, start with the paediatrician at your place of residence: they manage such conditions and, if necessary, will refer you further. At the first appointment the doctor asks the parents about the timing and duration of the episodes of distress. They clarify how feeding is organised, how the child is gaining weight and how the baby sleeps between episodes. Then the doctor examines the baby to make sure the cause of the distress is not another condition. Afterwards the parents receive a clear plan of action for the coming weeks and an agreement about a follow-up visit.
What the treatment consists of
- Correction of feeding technique and care: reviewing how feeding proceeds helps eliminate air swallowing and reduce the load on digestion.
- Creating a calm environment and routine: a predictable daily rhythm and quiet surroundings reduce the irritants that increase the distress.
- Physical ways of soothing: carrying in the arms, swaddling and rocking give the baby a sense of support during an episode.
- Follow-up with the paediatrician: regular visits allow the doctor to see how the child's condition changes and to adjust the approach in time.
- Selection of therapy by the doctor for pronounced distress: the specialist prescribes medication support individually if other measures do not bring relief.
What depends on the patient themselves
The result largely depends on the regularity of observation, not on a single visit to the doctor. It is useful for parents to record at what time the distress begins and how long it lasts. Such records show the doctor the picture over a week, not over a single day, and help to select the right support more precisely. It is important to come to follow-up appointments, even if things have become easier: they show whether the chosen approach is working. It is worth honestly telling what you manage to apply at home and what is difficult. If the recommendations are followed irregularly, the doctor cannot understand what is causing the lack of improvement. The calmness of the parents themselves also affects the baby's condition, so help from loved ones and breaks for the adults are not out of place here. Agree with the doctor on clear signs that mean you should contact them earlier than the scheduled visit.
What helps prevent an exacerbation?
Infantile colic cannot be completely eliminated, but how pronounced it is largely depends on day-to-day care. A calm environment, correct latching to the breast and timely rest for parents reduce the frequency of episodes.
What to change in habits
Correct latching to the breast or bottle-feeding directly affects how the baby takes in milk and swallows air. If the latch is not tight, the baby draws in extra air along with the food, and this increases restlessness after feeding. Holding the baby upright after feeding helps the trapped air come out and reduces tension in the tummy. A calm environment and a measured daily routine matter because sharp sounds, bustle and overtiredness make episodes more noticeable for the baby. Parents should remember that their own state is passed on to the baby through the pace of movements and the loudness of the voice. Support from loved ones and the opportunity to rest allow adults to stay composed during the difficult evening hours. If even one habit from this list is missing, episodes become more frequent and longer.
What to keep under control
- Correct latching to the breast or bottle-feeding: how much air the baby swallows depends on a tight latch, and therefore so does the severity of restlessness after feeding.
- Holding the baby upright after feeding: this helps the trapped air come out and noticeably reduces tension in the tummy in the first minutes after feeding.
- A calm environment and daily routine: a predictable rhythm of sleep and feedings reduces the baby's tiredness, and with it the frequency of episodes.
- Support and rest for parents: an adult needs to recover, otherwise fatigue accumulates and is passed on to the baby through the pace of care.
- Observing the reaction to feeding: it is worth noting at which hours the restlessness is stronger, in order to understand the overall picture and discuss it with the doctor.
How often to see the doctor
A regular check-up with the doctor is needed even when the baby seems calm and episodes hardly cause concern. The specialist assesses weight gain, overall development and how the baby tolerates feedings — these observations are important for the overall picture. Parents often postpone the visit because everything looks fine at home, and that is precisely why some changes go unnoticed. At the appointment you can discuss which care habits should be adjusted and what to pay attention to in everyday life. If the restlessness intensifies or its character changes, this should be mentioned to the doctor without waiting for the scheduled visit. Such monitoring does not replace the prescribed follow-up but complements it and helps to notice changes in time. Calm and consistent observation gives parents confidence that they are not missing anything.
What is worth remembering
Infantile colic is a condition that resolves on its own as the child grows, but it requires patience and attentiveness from parents. Below is the key information that helps make decisions calmly and without unnecessary anxiety.
Key takeaways
Infantile colic is not linked to mistakes in care and does not indicate illness, so looking for someone to blame is pointless. The episodes most often occur in the evening, when the child is tired and the adults are exhausted too, and this coincidence increases the overall tension in the home. It is important for parents to alternate shifts and give each other rest, otherwise fatigue accumulates and prevents a clear assessment of what is happening. If infantile colic is accompanied by refusal to feed, changes in behaviour or unusual lethargy, a visit to the doctor must not be postponed. In other cases, it is enough to observe the child and note exactly what precedes an episode. Infantile colic ends without consequences for development, but the period experienced often leaves a mark on the mood of the whole family. Relying on facts and a calm daily routine helps get through this time without unnecessary decisions.
