Colic is a common issue among infants, characterized by excessive crying and fussiness. It can be challenging for parents to deal with, but there are some tips that may help alleviate the symptoms. One factor that can contribute to colic is breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding mothers may need to pay attention to their diet, as certain foods can cause gas and discomfort in their babies. It’s important to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and dairy products if your baby seems to be suffering from colic.
In addition, ensuring proper latching and positioning during breastfeeding can help prevent air intake, which can contribute to colic. Making sure your baby is properly burped after feeds can also help reduce gas and discomfort.
If your baby continues to experience colic despite these efforts, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare provider. Remember that colic is a common phase in infancy and will eventually pass. Stay patient and provide comfort to your baby during this challenging time.

How to comfort a crying baby

There are many ways to comfort a crying baby, including:

• Rocking or swaying them gently
• Singing or talking to them in a soothing voice
• Offering them a pacifier or your clean finger to suck on
• Changing their diaper if it’s dirty or wet
• Ensuring they are not too hot or too cold
• Creating a calm environment with soft lighting and quiet sounds
• Trying different holding positions to see what your baby finds comforting

Understanding your baby’s cues

Every baby is different, and understanding your baby’s cues can help you respond to their needs effectively. Pay attention to your baby’s body language, facial expressions, and cries to determine what they are trying to communicate.

Seeking help when needed

If you are struggling to comfort your baby or if their crying seems excessive or unusual, don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider. It’s essential to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing your baby’s distress.

In conclusion,

Crying is a normal way for babies to communicate their needs and emotions. Responding to your baby’s cries with love and patience helps build a strong bond between you and your child. Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts as a parent and seek support when needed.

Symptoms of colic

Babies cry for various reasons, but watch out for signs like:

• Intense crying for extended periods
• Clenched fists, arched back, and knees pulled up
• Red or flushed face while crying
• Inconsolable crying
• Rumbling tummy or excessive gas

There could be other reasons for your baby’s crying. It’s important to check if they are:

• Hungry
• Have a dirty or wet diaper
• Experiencing gas or constipation
• Too hot or too cold
• Feeling bored or overstimulated

If your baby cries during or after feeds, it’s worth investigating the possibility of reflux. Refer to our guide on reflux in breastfed babies for more information.

If you are unsure about the cause of your baby’s distress, consult your health visitor, call NHS 111, or see a GP for assistance.

Additionally, some other signs of colic may include:

• Frequent pulls at their ears
• Difficulty settling down, especially in the evenings
• Changes in feeding patterns or appetite
• Sensitivities to certain foods or substances in the mother’s diet (for breastfed babies)

Soothing a colicky baby

There is no definitive cure for baby colic, only methods to alleviate symptoms and provide comfort.

Here are some techniques other parents use to help relieve colic symptoms in breastfed babies.

Burping

Burp your baby during and after each feed to release any trapped air.

Sit your baby up

Sit your baby upright while feeding to minimize air intake.

Attachment

Ensure your baby is latching correctly during breastfeeding. If unsure, refer to our latching guide for assistance.

Some breastfeeding mothers have found that reducing spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol in their diet can make a difference, although scientific evidence is lacking.

If you are combination feeding, check our guide on colic and bottle feeding.

Additionally, white noise such as a fan or a noise machine can help soothe a colicky baby. Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket can also provide comfort and help them feel secure. Gentle tummy massages in a clockwise motion can help relieve gas and discomfort. It’s important to remember that each baby is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one.

Other ways to soothe your baby

Warm bath and a massage

A warm bath followed by a gentle tummy massage can be soothing for your baby.

Hold them

Hold your baby close to your chest so they can feel your heartbeat, which may help calm them during crying spells.

Rock your baby

Gently rocking your baby can have a calming effect.

Change of scenery

A change of environment can sometimes help calm your baby. Consider going outside for fresh air or moving to a different room.

Creating a quiet environment by turning off the TV, dimming the lights, and practicing deep breathing can help calm an overstimulated baby.

Create a calming atmosphere

Seek support from other new parents to help you feel calmer and better equipped to soothe your baby.

Did you know?

Colic affects 1 in 5 babies, regardless of their feeding method.

Colic is characterized by excessive, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. It usually peaks around 6 weeks of age and can last until the baby is 3-4 months old. Common symptoms of colic include clenched fists, arching the back, and pulling up the legs towards the tummy.

While the exact cause of colic is unknown, some factors that may contribute to it include an immature digestive system, gas, food allergies, and overstimulation. It is important for parents to seek support and comfort their baby during episodes of colic, as it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents.

What causes colic?

The exact cause of colic remains unknown but may be related to digestive issues or food allergies like cow’s milk allergy.

If you suspect an allergy, consult your GP before making any changes to your baby’s diet.

Other possible causes of colic include immature digestive systems, gas, overfeeding, or a baby being sensitive to changes in environment or routine.

It’s important to remember that colic is a common condition that typically improves on its own by the time a baby is around 4-6 months old. In the meantime, there are various soothing techniques that can help alleviate your baby’s colic symptoms.

Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life

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Remember that colic is a common phase that many babies go through, and it is not your fault as a parent. It can be helpful to try different soothing techniques such as gentle rocking, swaddling, white noise, or a warm bath to help calm your baby.

It’s important to take care of yourself as well during this challenging time. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and ask for help when you need it. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to the helplines listed above or speak to your healthcare provider.

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If your baby cries inconsolably for 3 or more hours a day, at least 3 days a week for 3 weeks or more, it could be colic.

Colic usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old but should improve by 3 or 4 months.

Some tips for breastfeeding a baby with colic:

• Make sure your baby is latched on correctly
• Try different feeding positions to help reduce air swallowed during feeding
• Avoid foods that may cause gas or discomfort in your baby
• Consider using a breast pump to express milk if your baby is struggling to feed
• Consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for additional support

Crying as a means of communication

Babies cry as a way of expressing themselves. Responding promptly and with care is crucial.

EXPERT ADVICE: how to encourage communication during crying?

Engage with your baby directly by asking simple questions to help them recognize their emotions. Share your own feelings with them to set a positive example and remain patient to avoid adding to their stress.

When crying means pain

Pay attention to your baby’s cues to determine if they need attention or are experiencing digestive issues.

If your baby cries during feeding, they may have gastro-colic reflex. Taking breaks during feeding can help alleviate this.

If your baby is bottle-fed, take breaks, warm the milk, and check the diaper.

If breastfeeding, express some milk before feeding to regulate the flow.

If unsure, consult your doctor.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux can cause visible regurgitation. Feed in smaller amounts and take breaks for burping to ease discomfort.

If lactose intolerance is suspected, consult your doctor for advice on low lactose milk.

Crying in the evening: an inescapable stage?

Evening crying is common in babies between 3 weeks and 4 months of age. Provide comfort and cuddling during this time of physiological crying.

If your healthy baby cries inconsolably for 3 or more hours a day, it could be colic, which typically improves by 3 to 4 months of age.

Symptoms of colic

Babies cry for various reasons. Monitor signs like intense crying, clenched fists, and inconsolability. Check if the baby is hungry, has a dirty diaper, or is uncomfortable. Consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Soothing a colicky baby

Although there is no cure for baby colic, there are techniques to soothe and alleviate symptoms. Burping during and after feeds, proper feeding positions, and anti-colic bottles may help.

Other ways to soothe your baby

Warm bath and a massage

Try a warm bath followed by a gentle tummy massage to soothe your baby. Holding them close to feel your heartbeat and rocking motions can also provide comfort.

Find support

Seek support from other parents to stay calmer and better soothe your baby.

White noise

White noise can be comforting for babies as it mimics the sounds they heard in the womb. Try using a white noise machine or a fan to create a soothing environment for your little one.

Did you know?

Colic affects 1 in 5 babies, regardless of feeding method.

What causes colic?

The cause of colic is unknown, but it may involve stomach cramps or digestion issues. Consult your GP if food allergies are suspected.

Help and support

Colic will eventually subside, but it can be draining. Seek support from family, friends, or helplines if needed.

Sign up for emails

Receive personalized advice and support through our NHS trusted emails based on your pregnancy stage or your baby’s age.

Baby crying after feeding may be due to trapped gas or abdominal discomfort. Look for signs like a distended tummy, painful cries, and leg movements to address the issue.

Why Is Your Baby Crying After Feeding?

Colic is a common cause of babies crying after feeding. Use comforting techniques and positions, as colicky babies often require more holding and soothing.

Colic

Excessive crying, characteristic of colic, may cause distress after feeding. Although challenging, colic typically improves by 3 to 4 months of age. Comforting techniques can help alleviate symptoms.

Acid reflux, affecting almost half of all babies, can cause crying during and after feeding. Reflux occurs when a baby regurgitates milk regularly. Some children might have reflux or GORD due to an immature digestive system, which usually resolves with growth. While 90% of babies recover from GORD by their first birthday, some may need long-term treatment under specialist care.

As your little one grows, they are acquiring both physical and mental skills. Sometimes, babies swallow air while eating, which can result in trapped gas, discomfort, and pressure. To minimize this, try feeding them in an upright position, burping frequently, gently moving their legs, avoiding laying them down immediately after meals, paying attention to your diet if breastfeeding, and considering a slow-flow nipple for bottle feeding.

Food Sensitivities and Allergies

After feeding, babies may cry due to food sensitivities or allergies. Watch for signs such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.

Teething

Typically, babies start teething around 6 months old. Providing them with chilled teething rings can help alleviate gum discomfort. Additionally, engaging and interacting with your baby can help divert their attention from any pain they may be experiencing in their gums.