A baby is likely to have colic if they exhibit intense, unexplained crying that lasts for three or more hours a day, at least three days a week, for a period of three weeks or more. Typical signs include:
- Crying spells that often happen in the late afternoon or evening.
- Crying that is loud, high-pitched, and hard to soothe.
- The baby may pull up their legs, clench fists, arch their back, or have a red or flushed face during crying.
- The baby seems to be in distress, but is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and gaining weight.
- Symptoms may also include loud tummy rumblings or passing gas after crying.
- The crying does not stop despite attempts to comfort the baby.
Colic generally begins when a baby is a few weeks old, peaks around six to eight weeks, and usually goes away by 3 to 4 months of age. If a baby cries excessively but exhibits other signs like fever, poor feeding, or unusual lethargy, a healthcare provider should be consulted to rule out other health issues.
