All guides › Health & daily care
Baby colic: what it is and how to soothe a crying baby
Few things are as draining as a baby who cries for hours and cannot be comforted. Colic is the name often given to this pattern of intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby. It is common, it is nobody's fault, and it does pass, usually by around 3 to 4 months.
What is colic?
Colic is usually described with the rule of 3s: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks, in a baby who is otherwise healthy and growing well. It often starts at around 2 to 3 weeks of age, tends to peak at about 6 weeks and gradually eases over the following weeks.
The crying is often worse in the late afternoon and evening. Babies with colic may clench their fists, pull up their legs, arch their back or turn red in the face. The cause is not fully understood, and it is not caused by something you did.
First, rule out the simple things
Before assuming colic, check the basics: is your baby hungry, tired, too hot or cold, or in a dirty diaper? Some babies swallow a lot of air when they feed, so burping during and after a feed can help. Very fast flow from a bottle or a strong let-down at the breast can also make babies gulpy and uncomfortable.
If your baby is breastfed, there is no good evidence that most mothers need to cut foods from their diet. Talk to your health nurse or doctor before making big changes, especially if you suspect a cow's milk allergy because of other symptoms such as blood in the stool or a rash.
Ideas that may help soothe your baby
No single trick works for every baby, so try a few calmly and give each one a few minutes. Many parents find it helps to hold the baby close, skin to skin, or carry them in a sling or carrier. Gentle, rhythmic movement such as walking, rocking or a stroller ride can settle some babies, as can a steady sound like a fan, a soft hum or low white noise.
A warm, quiet, dimly lit room helps when babies are overstimulated. Swaddling can calm some young babies, but it must be done safely: snug around the arms, loose around the hips, and stop once your baby starts trying to roll. Always lay your baby on their back to sleep. A pacifier, a warm bath, or holding your baby on their tummy across your forearm while you are awake and watching can also soothe. A gentle tummy massage works for some.
Look after yourself, and never shake a baby
Prolonged crying is hard to bear, and many parents feel anxious, angry or like a failure. These feelings are normal. If you feel you are reaching your limit, put your baby down safely on their back in the cot, close the door and step away for a few minutes to breathe. A crying baby in a safe cot is better off than a baby held by someone who is about to lose control.
Never, ever shake a baby. Shaking can cause severe brain damage or death. Ask your partner, a relative or a friend to take over, and call your health nurse, doctor or the out-of-hours service if you are struggling. Sleep when you can, and accept help.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor or health nurse if the crying is very high-pitched or sounds different from usual, or if your baby also has a fever, vomits repeatedly or forcefully, has green vomit, blood in the stool, a swollen or hard belly, refuses to feed, has trouble breathing, or is unusually sleepy and floppy. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38 degrees or above needs to be seen urgently.
Also get advice if your baby is not gaining weight well, or if your instinct tells you something is wrong. You know your baby best, and it is always fine to ask. If your baby seems seriously ill, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
How long does colic last?
Colic usually starts at 2 to 3 weeks, peaks at around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months of age. Some babies take a little longer to settle.
Is colic caused by something I am doing?
No. The cause is not fully understood, and colic happens in breastfed and formula-fed babies alike. It is not a sign of poor parenting.
What should I do if I feel I might lose control?
Put your baby down safely on their back in the cot, leave the room for a few minutes and breathe. Never shake a baby. Ask someone to take over and call your health nurse or doctor for support.
When is crying a sign of something more serious?
If the crying comes with fever, repeated or green vomiting, blood in the stool, poor feeding, breathing difficulty or unusual sleepiness, see a doctor straight away.
Check the facts: rules, recommendations and products change. Always verify with the manufacturer, official sources such as NAV, Helsedirektoratet and Arbeidstilsynet, and other relevant health authorities before you act.