Baby colic

Definitions

Description

When a healthy, well-fed infant cries often, long and hard or is very fussy at the same time of day for no known reason.

Self-care

Ways to soothe include giving a pacifier, turning on white noise, or gently rocking baby in arms or in a swing. Parent self-care involves letting someone else take over or putting the baby in a crib.

When to seek immediate medical care

See a healthcare professional right away if:

  • Crying might be caused by a fall, injury or illness.

When to make a doctor's appointment

See a healthcare professional for symptoms of baby colic, such as:

  • Loud, hard crying that may sound like screaming or being in pain.
  • Change of face color and body tensing while crying.
  • Crying about the same time every day, often in the evening.