Colic in Babies—When Does a Cry Mean More?

Few things are worse for a parent than holding a helpless little one as they squirm and scream for comfort that you can’t seem to offer. Is it pain? Is it hunger? Is it both or neither? What’s for sure is your baby is crying for help. Not knowing how to make it better only seems to make it worse for everyone.

Take a deep breath. With information about how to recognize and help understand colic, this too will pass. 

Research shows colic affects 9%–19% of infants, whether they’re breastfed or formula fed.^1,2 Colic doesn’t usually signal a serious medical problem, in most cases. If a serious medical condition is present, your baby’s cries may be nonstop. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician if your baby’s crying is nonstop.

It usually begins when a baby is 2 to 3 weeks old. How long does it last? It is not usually seen in babies over about 3 months of age.

One thing babies do well is cry. It’s their way of telling you something is bothering them, and it doesn’t always mean they’re in serious discomfort. When your baby cries, check the simple reasons first. Is your baby: 

• Too cool or warm?
• Hungry? 
• Gassy? 
• Ready for a nap?
• Needing a diaper change?

A common way to define if your baby is colicky or not is called The Rule of 3s.³ Your baby may be considered colicky if they cry for reasons other than those listed above for a period of:

Other than crying, colicky baby signs may include: 

• Flushed and red-faced while crying 
• Clenching fists 
• Extending or pulling their legs up to their tummy 
• Passing gas 
• Belly bloat 

If you notice a change in your little one’s crying pattern, it could be cause for concern. In this case, contact your baby’s healthcare professional. 

If your baby is experiencing excessive crying, talk to their pediatrician. If cow’s milk allergy is suspected, your baby's pediatrician may recommend a hypoallergenic infant formula like Similac^® Alimentum^®.  

A formula like Similac Alimentum can help babies start feeling better today. It starts reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity in most babies within 24 hours.^* It contains an extensively hydrolyzed protein, meaning the milk protein is broken down into tiny, easy-to-digest pieces. Shop now for Similac Alimentum and other Similac^® formulas.  

We’re always here to help! 

For live, one-on-one feeding support, call our Similac Feeding Expert line at 1-800-986-8800. 

Often, a baby with colic can be comforted through swaddling, a pacifier, or relaxing in a baby swing or rocking device. If these ideas don’t work, and you can see no physical reason for your baby's discomfort, try:

• Gently bouncing or strolling your baby 
• Taking a car ride 
• Creating white noise with soft music or a vacuum cleaner 

Even the most experienced parent can get overwhelmed by the crying of an infant, with or without colic. Having a good support system on standby can offer you a much-needed break when it all becomes too much. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if that time comes:

• Ask for help from your partner or family members. 
• If the crying makes you feel like you might lose control, place your baby safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes to calm down and collect your thoughts.  
• REMEMBER: Feeling overwhelmed is temporary—never shake an infant.

 ^* Based on a clinical study with Similac ^® Alimentum^® Ready to Feed (without DHA/ARA, 2′-FL HMO, lutein, and beta-carotene). A crossover clinical study of infants experiencing colic symptoms due to cow’s milk protein sensitivity showed 5 of 6 infants initiated on Alimentum during the first week achieved a reduction in excessive crying. Data on file. Study AC84, August 2004. Abbott Nutrition; Columbus, Ohio.

References: 1. Fiocchi A, et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2010;21(suppl 21):1-125. 2. Lucassen PL, et al. Arch Dis Child. 2001;84(5):398-403. 3. Identifying Colic and How to Cope. Pregnancy & Newborn website. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.pnmag.com/baby/identifying-colic-and-how-to-cope/

Sources: Peri C. Expert Q&A: crying and colic. WebMD. Reviewed May 27, 2015. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/expert-answers-colic#1