Key takeaways: Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months. The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has shown some benefit in breastfed babies, but less evidence in formula-fed babies. Gripe water and gas drops lack good evidence. Chiropractic and manipulation aren’t supported by strong evidence. Never shake a baby; it’s okay to put your baby down safely and take a break.
Colic is exhausting for families. Many remedies are marketed, but few have strong evidence.
What Is Colic?
Colic is often defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, in an otherwise healthy, growing baby. Crying often peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months.
Probiotics
A 2018 meta-analysis by Sung and colleagues found that L. reuteri DSM 17938 reduced crying time in breastfed babies with colic. The evidence was not strong for formula-fed babies. Talk with your doctor before starting a probiotic.
Gripe Water
Gripe water is sold as a supplement, so it isn’t tested for effectiveness like medicines. There’s no good evidence it helps colic, and some products contain sugar or other ingredients. Talk to your doctor first.
Gas Drops (Simethicone)
Generally safe, but trials haven’t shown it works better than placebo.
Chiropractic and Manipulation
A Cochrane review found that evidence for manipulative therapies for colic was limited and of low quality.
Diet Changes
- Breastfeeding: for a small number of babies with suspected cow’s milk protein allergy, a trial of removing dairy from the parent’s diet may help. Do this with your doctor’s guidance.
- Formula: a hydrolyzed formula may help some babies with suspected allergy. Talk to your doctor.
Soothing Strategies
- Holding, rocking, walking.
- White noise at a safe volume.
- Swaddling (stop when your baby shows signs of rolling).
- A car ride or stroller walk.
- Skin-to-skin.
- Reduce stimulation.
Coping
- Take breaks. It’s okay to put your baby down in a safe place, like the crib, and step away for a few minutes.
- Share the load with a partner or friend.
- Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause serious brain injury or death.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has a fever, vomits, has blood in the stool, isn’t feeding or gaining well, or has crying that sounds different or comes with other symptoms. Get help right away if you feel you might hurt your baby.
The Bottom Line
Colic improves with time. A specific probiotic may help breastfed babies, but most remedies lack strong evidence. Take care of yourself and never shake a baby.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Sung V, D’Amico F, Cabana MD, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri to treat infant colic: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2018;141(1):e20171811.
- Dobson D, Lucassen PL, Miller JJ, Vlieger AM, Prescott P, Lewith G. Manipulative therapies for infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12:CD004796.
- Biagioli E, Tarasco V, Lingua C, Moja L, Savino F. Pain-relieving agents for infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9(9):CD009999.
- National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. The Period of PURPLE Crying. https://www.purplecrying.info
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
