It starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age. Your baby, who seemed settled, begins crying intensely in the evenings for no apparent reason. Nothing soothes them. They pull up their legs, arch their back, go red in the face, and scream for hours. You have checked everything — they are fed, dry, not too hot, not too cold. This is colic, and you are not doing anything wrong.
What Is Colic?
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby under 5 months. It affects approximately 20 percent of babies regardless of feeding method, culture, or parenting style. It almost always resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months.
What Causes Colic?
Honestly, the cause of colic is not fully understood despite decades of research. Theories include immature digestive systems, gas and gut discomfort, overstimulation at the end of a long day, a developing nervous system that cannot self-regulate yet, and normal variation in infant crying. What is clear is that colic is not caused by bad parenting, bad feeding technique, or anything you did wrong.
Indian Remedies for Colic
Hing (asafoetida) water — dissolve a tiny pinch of hing in warm water and rub gently on your baby's navel in a clockwise direction. Do not give hing orally to babies under 6 months. This is a widely used Indian remedy and many mothers report it helps with gas.
Gripe water — traditional Indian gripe water contains herbs like saunf (fennel), ajwain (carom seeds), and ginger. Fennel in particular has some evidence for reducing colic symptoms. Choose a brand without alcohol. Consult your paediatrician before use.
Gentle tummy massage — warm a small amount of coconut or sesame oil in your palms and massage your baby's tummy in clockwise circles. The warmth and pressure can help move gas through the intestines.
Evidence-Based Approaches
The Five S technique (by Dr Harvey Karp) is highly effective for many colicky babies: Swaddle tightly, position on their Side or Stomach (only when held, never for sleep), Shush loudly near their ear, Swing with a jiggling motion, and offer Something to Suck. These recreate the womb environment and activate the calming reflex.
White noise — the womb is loud (about 90 decibels). White noise apps, a vacuum cleaner sound, or a running fan can be remarkably calming for colicky babies who are overstimulated.
Reducing stimulation — colic often peaks in the evening when babies have accumulated the stimulation of the day. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and hold your baby quietly in a dark room.
Taking Care of Yourself During Colic
Listening to your baby cry inconsolably is genuinely traumatic. If you feel yourself losing control, put the baby down safely in their cot and step outside for 5 minutes. A crying baby is safe in a cot. A parent who has lost their temper is dangerous. Tag-team with your partner or family members. Colic ends. Hold onto that.