What causes colic in babies?

Baby colic has multiple causes: an immature digestive system, trapped gas, food sensitivity, overstimulation, and a developing gut microbiome. It does not mean anything is wrong with your baby.

How long does baby colic last?

Colic typically begins between 2-3 weeks of age, peaks around 6-8 weeks, and improves significantly by 3-4 months. It follows the rule of threes: more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks.

Can I give my baby medication for colic?

Medications such as simethicone may help in some cases, but should only be used under pediatric guidance. Non-pharmacological techniques like massage, skin-to-skin contact, and gentle movement are the first line of treatment.

Is baby colic dangerous?

Colic itself is not dangerous and does not indicate a health problem. However, excessive crying can have other causes that need to be ruled out by a pediatrician. Seek medical attention if there is fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or feeding refusal.

Baby Colic: 10 Proven Techniques to Soothe Your Baby

Your baby is crying inconsolably, pulling their legs up, turning red... and you have tried everything. Colic is one of the most challenging experiences for parents of newborns. In this guide, you will learn 10 proven techniques to soothe colic and when it is time to see a pediatrician.

What Is Baby Colic?

Baby colic is defined by the “rule of threes”: crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. If you are new to Brazil, understanding how local pediatricians approach colic can help you feel more confident as a parent. Learn more about navigating pediatric care in Brazil as an expat.

The medical term is functional infantile colic— “functional” because there is no underlying disease. It is a normal developmental phase that affects 10-40% of babies.

Typical Colic Pattern

Onset: Between 2-3 weeks of age
Peak: 6-8 weeks (when it is most intense)
Improvement: Gradually after 8-12 weeks
Resolution: Usually by 3-4 months of age
Timing: More common in the late afternoon and early evening

What Causes Colic?

The truth is that nobody knows exactly what causes colic. It is likely a combination of factors:

1.
Immature digestive system: The baby's gut is still learning to function and may have uncoordinated contractions.
2.
Gas and aerophagia: Babies swallow air during feeding or crying, causing abdominal distension.
3.
Developing gut flora: The beneficial bacteria in the gut are still becoming established.
4.
Overstimulation: The baby's nervous system is immature and can become overwhelmed.
5.
Food sensitivity: In some cases, cow's milk protein (via formula or breast milk) may play a role.

10 Proven Techniques to Soothe Colic

1Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Position)

Place your baby undressed (diaper only) on your bare chest. Skin-to-skin contact regulates temperature and heart rate, and calms the nervous system. This technique is especially comforting during the adjustment period after moving to a new country.

Tip: It works for fathers too. The baby recognizes your scent and voice.

2Abdominal Massage (I-L-U Technique)

With warm hands and a gentle vegetable oil, make soft strokes on the baby's tummy:

I: Stroke downward on the left side of the navel
L: Stroke across from right to left, then down
U: Stroke up the right side, across, and down the left side

When: Perform when the baby is calm, not during a crying episode.

3Bicycle Legs

With the baby lying on their back, hold their legs and gently “pedal” them in a cycling motion. This helps release trapped gas.

Bonus: Gently press both legs together against the tummy and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat.

4Forearm Hold (Colic Hold)

Rest the baby face-down on your forearm, with their head in your hand and legs dangling on either side. Gently rock back and forth.

Why it works: The gentle pressure on the tummy combined with movement helps release gas.

5White Noise

Sounds like a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, or white noise apps mimic the womb environment and calm the baby. Keep the volume moderate. If your baby has trouble settling at night, check out our complete guide to baby sleep.

Free apps:White Noise Baby, Baby Sleep Sounds, or simply “shushing” near the baby's ear.

6Warm Bath

A warm bath relaxes the abdominal muscles and soothes the baby. The water should be around 37 C (98.6 F).

Tip: Dim the lights and keep the environment calm to enhance relaxation.

7Swaddling

Wrapping the baby snugly in a swaddle blanket mimics the containment of the womb. This reduces the Moro (startle) reflex and promotes calm.

Caution: Do not wrap too tightly. Hips should be free to move. Stop swaddling once the baby starts to roll.

8Car Ride or Stroller Walk

Rhythmic movement and gentle vibration have a soothing effect. Many babies fall asleep in the car. In Sao Paulo, an evening walk in your neighborhood stroller can work wonders.

Alternative: A vibrating bouncer or automatic swing.

9Proper Burping

Burp the baby during and after feedings. Swallowed air is a major cause of discomfort.

Position 1: Sitting on your lap, supported under the chin
Position 2: Over your shoulder, with gentle pats on the back
Position 3: Face-down across your lap

10Probiotics (With Medical Guidance)

Studies show that Lactobacillus reuteri may reduce crying time in colicky babies. However, always consult your pediatrician before using any probiotic.

Important: Do not use probiotics without professional guidance. The pediatrician needs to assess whether it is appropriate for your baby.

When to See the Pediatrician

Colic itself is not dangerous, but other conditions can cause excessive crying. If you are unsure whether something is colic or something more serious, do not hesitate to reach out to an English-speaking pediatrician in Sao Paulo. Seek medical attention if you notice:

Warning Signs

•Fever (temperature above 37.5 C / 99.5 F)
•Vomiting (different from normal spit-up)
•Blood in stool or diarrhea
•Feeding refusal or poor weight gain
•Distended, hard abdomen
•Unusual cry (higher-pitched or weaker than normal)
•Lethargy even between crying episodes

For Parents: Take Care of Yourself Too

Caring for a colicky baby is exhausting. You are not doing anything wrong. Colic will pass. In the meantime:

•Take turns with your partner, family, or support network. Being an expat without nearby family makes this harder — consider joining local expat parent groups in Sao Paulo.
•It is OK to put the baby down safely and take a 5-minute break if you are feeling overwhelmed
•Do not blame yourself — colic is not your fault
•Seek support if you feel you are reaching your limit

Never Shake a Baby

If you are very frustrated, put the baby down safely and leave the room. Shaking a baby can cause severe brain injury or death (Shaken Baby Syndrome). If you feel you are at your limit, ask for help immediately. You can also schedule a telemedicine consultation for quick support.