Colic is one possible reason a newborn cries, but it is not the only one: a baby may cry because they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable or unwell. You can’t determine the cause from one episode of crying alone—it’s important to consider how your baby looks and behaves overall and watch for warning signs.
It can be difficult to work out whether crying is caused by colic or something else: crying is the main way a newborn communicates their needs. This article explains what to look for, what you can check at home and when to seek medical help.
| Observation | What to check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Crying before a feed | Is the baby rooting for the breast or bottle? Do they feed? | Offer a feed; if the baby refuses, contact a doctor |
| Recurring episodes in the evening | How the baby feels between episodes, feeding, wet diapers | Keep a record of what you observe and discuss it with your pediatrician |
| Temperature of 38 °C or higher | Age under 3 months | Urgent medical evaluation |
| Difficulty breathing, bluish skin or hard to wake | Any of these signs | Seek medical help immediately |
| Repeated vomiting or refusal to feed | Whether the symptom keeps recurring and the baby’s condition is worsening | Contact a doctor; don’t dismiss it as colic |
- 28 days the period known as the newborn stage
- 38 °C the temperature threshold for urgent evaluation in a baby under 3 months
- 3 hours per day the crying-duration threshold in the traditional “rule of threes”
- 3 days per week the crying-frequency threshold in the traditional “rule of threes”
- 3 weeks the period over which crying recurs in the traditional “rule of threes”
What is colic in a newborn?
Colic in a newborn refers to recurring episodes of prolonged crying and fussiness in an infant who appears healthy the rest of the time. It describes a symptom, not a separate diagnosis with one established cause. A child is considered a newborn during the first 28 days of life, but similar bouts of crying may continue beyond that.
How to recognize a recurring pattern of crying
The traditional “rule of threes” describes crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. It’s a guide for describing episodes, not a requirement: parents don’t need to wait for all three conditions to be met before discussing their baby’s fussiness with a doctor.
One evening of loud crying does not, by itself, confirm colic. What matters is whether the episodes recur and how the baby is doing between them: consider not only how long the crying lasts, but also how your baby behaves during calm periods.
How can you tell colic from hunger, tiredness and discomfort?
You can distinguish colic from hunger, tiredness and discomfort by considering what’s happening when the baby cries and how they respond to a specific form of help: rooting for the breast and settling after a feed are more consistent with hunger, while recurring episodes in the evening may resemble colic. Neither drawing their legs up toward their belly nor clenching their fists is enough on its own to identify the cause with confidence.
What to check before changing how you feed your baby
Before changing how you feed your baby, check whether something else is bothering your newborn: a wet diaper, tight clothing or an overheated room. If your baby is rooting for the breast or bottle, offer a feed and see whether they settle afterward; if they won’t latch or aren’t feeding well, discuss it with a doctor.
- Hunger: The baby is rooting for the breast or bottle and may settle after a feed.
- Discomfort: Check the diaper, make sure clothing isn’t restricting movement and ensure the room isn’t too warm.
- Possible colic: The crying recurs at about the same time, often in the evening; leg position and clenched fists don’t confirm the cause.
- Sudden crying: If it starts after a fall, a ride in a car seat or a change in care, look for a specific source of pain or discomfort rather than attributing everything to colic.
It’s also worth considering tiredness: check whether the crying coincides with a time when your baby needs to rest and whether their condition changes after you address an obvious source of discomfort. No single sign provides a reliable answer—the recurring pattern of crying and the baby’s response to feeding and care matter.
Why does colic happen, and what can you try at home?
There are several possible reasons for colic: no single cause has been established, and crying may be made worse by immature behavioral regulation, feeding difficulties and a baby’s sensitivity to external stimuli. At home, you can check whether feeding is comfortable for your baby and try reducing stimulation from light and noise while observing their response.
A calming routine instead of lots of remedies
During feeds, position your baby so they can latch comfortably onto the breast or bottle nipple. After feeding, hold them upright and give them time to burp. If you try different ways to soothe your baby, change one thing at a time: it will be easier to tell what they respond to.
- Reduce stimulation: Dim bright lights and cut out unnecessary noise.
- Try movement: Gently rock your baby in your arms or carry them.
- Assess feeding: Check that your baby can latch comfortably onto the breast or bottle nipple, and hold them upright after a feed.
A brief crying diary can help your doctor identify recurring circumstances and assess your baby’s overall condition. Record when crying, feeding and sleep happen, and note wet diapers; don’t try changing several aspects of care at once.
When does crying require an urgent medical assessment?
A newborn’s crying requires urgent medical assessment if the baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 °C, or if they develop difficulty breathing, bluish skin, seizures, unusual lethargy or are hard to wake. If any of these signs appear, seek medical help immediately—don’t wait to see whether things improve on their own.
Contact a doctor if your baby refuses feeds, urinates noticeably less often or vomits repeatedly. Green bile or blood in vomit calls for urgent medical evaluation; don’t dismiss these symptoms as colic.
A sudden change in your baby’s cry or an unusual cry also needs attention, especially if it starts after an injury or is accompanied by a rash or a painful, swollen belly. Colic should not be assumed to explain these signs without a doctor’s assessment.
Which colic remedies don’t work or may be harmful?
Don’t give a newborn water, herbal tea, medication or “gas drops” without consulting a doctor: “natural” doesn’t mean safe. Don’t cut dairy or other food groups from a breastfeeding mother’s diet on your own—restrictions can make it harder to get adequate nutrition, and any possible link between foods and crying should be assessed individually.
- Water and herbal tea: Don’t offer them to a newborn as a colic remedy unless a doctor recommends it.
- Medication and “gas drops”: Don’t start giving them without consulting a doctor.
- A breastfeeding mother’s diet: Don’t cut out dairy or other food groups on your own.
When an adult needs a break
If the crying continues and you feel you’re losing your composure, place your baby somewhere safe and ask another adult to take over. Never shake a newborn: even a brief shake can cause harm.
If your baby falls asleep, lay them on their back on a firm, flat surface. Holding and rocking them doesn’t replace a safe sleep space: move your sleeping baby there before you step away.
What should you prepare before talking to your pediatrician?
Before talking to your pediatrician, prepare notes about your baby’s crying, feeding and condition, along with the packaging for any medications or supplements they’ve already been given. Note your newborn’s age in days or weeks, when the crying episodes began and how long each one lasts; also make a note of whether they recur in the evening.
What to include in your notes
- Describe feeding: breast or formula, how your baby feeds, and whether they vomit, spit up or refuse food.
- Note the number of wet diapers in 24 hours, their measured temperature and any changes in behavior.
Bring the packaging for any medications and supplements your baby has already been given: it’s important for the doctor to see the exact name and dose, not just hear a general description. Don’t delay contacting your pediatrician to complete a diary: share what you’ve observed, even if you haven’t managed to write everything down.
Frequently asked questions
How long can colic last?
Can I give my newborn dill water?
What temperature is dangerous for a newborn?
When shouldn’t crying be considered colic?
