Baby colic: what it is, how to soothe it, and how long it lasts

Crying that won't stop, with no clear cause, almost always around the same time of day — baby colic is one of the most exhausting parts of the early weeks, for the baby and whoever's holding them. The good news: it's extremely common, almost always benign, and it comes with an expiration date.

What it is

The classic reference for defining it is the "rule of threes": intense crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, in a baby who's otherwise healthy, eating, and gaining weight normally. It's not a disease — it's a diagnosis reached by ruling out other causes behind the crying.

Typical symptoms

• Intense crying, higher-pitched than usual, hard to soothe with what normally works.
• Shows up in a fairly consistent window — very often late afternoon or evening.
• Legs pulled up toward the belly, clenched fists, flushed face.
• Hard or bloated belly to the touch.
• Between episodes, the baby eats and behaves normally.

How long it lasts

It usually starts around 2 weeks old, peaks around 6 weeks, and resolves on its own between 3 and 4 months, once the digestive and nervous systems finish maturing.

How to soothe it

Holds and touch

• The "colic hold" — face-down along your forearm, head resting near your elbow, applies gentle pressure to the belly.
• Circular belly massage, clockwise, with gentle pressure.
• Rhythmic motion — rocking, walking with them, or a stroller ride.
• White noise — a fan, a vacuum, or a sound app can help calm them down.
• Skin-to-skin contact soothes more than almost anything else.

Drops and supplements

Simethicone drops are sold over the counter and are safe, though their actual effect on colic isn't consistently proven. Some probiotics (like Lactobacillus reuteri) show promising results in studies, but the evidence still isn't conclusive — check with the pediatrician before adding any supplement.

When to call the pediatrician

• There's fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
• The baby isn't gaining weight as expected.
• They seem lethargic rather than simply fussy.
• The crying pattern suddenly changes — becomes different from usual.
• You feel like you can't take it anymore — caregiver burnout is also a valid reason to ask for help, you don't have to wait for it to feel "serious enough."

Day overview — a real screen from the Alfonso app.

See if the crying lines up with something

Create your baby's profile in 30 seconds, no account or password needed, and log feeding, sleep, and diapers in one place — to spot at a glance whether episodes repeat after something specific. Syncs automatically with your partner.

Frequently asked questions

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ℹ️ This article is informational and doesn't replace a pediatrician's judgment. If you're unsure about your baby's crying, or feel like you need support, always check with a healthcare professional.