Colic in Babies: Why Babies Cry & How to Support Them

By Amanda – Tiny Hands Big Adventures – March 2026

Few things feel as upsetting for parents as colic. They may be hearing their baby cry and not able to understand why? They have fed, changed and soothed yet still the crying continues

At some point during the first months of life, many babies go through periods where they are very unsettled. They may cry for long periods, often in the late afternoon or evening, and sometimes appear hard to soothe. This crying might continue even when they have been fed, changed and held. When this becomes intense or it goes on for long periods, it is often described as colic in babies.

For parents, colic can feel confusing and exhausting. When a baby cries and nothing seems to help, many parents begin to wonder whether something is wrong. They might think they are missing an important sign. Understanding what colic in babies is, and what we know about it, can sometimes bring a little reassurance.

What colic in babies actually means

You may hear your GP or Health Visitor talking about something called the “rule of 3”. It’s often used when discussing colic and was first described by paediatrician Morris Wessel in the 1950s.

The “rule of 3” states that a baby may be thought to be suffering from colic if they cry for:

more than three hours a day

for more than three days a week

and for more than three weeks, all while otherwise appearing healthy and feeding normally.

While this is helpful for Drs we need to remember that real babies don’t always fit neatly into these categories. Some babies cry intensely but for shorter periods. Others experience unsettled evenings that gradually come and go. For this reason, many professionals now use the word colic more broadly.

Colic is most often felt in the early months after birth with lots of babies suffering long bouts of crying within the first few weeks of life, this seems to peak at around six to eight weeks of age.

For many families, the pattern gradually improves as the baby grows, and as their digestive and nervous systems matures. Babies develop at their own pace though and for some these periods can continue beyond the first three months. Because of this, healthcare professionals often focus less on a strict age limit. They now focus more on the pattern of crying and the baby’s overall wellbeing when describing colic.

Why colic in babies can feel so intense

For parents one of the most difficult to understand things about colic, is that there is no single and agreed cause. Researchers and clinicians have explored several possible explanations, and it is likely that for many babies the answer involves a combination of factors.

One possible factor is the developing digestive system. In the early months of life, a baby’s gut is still learning how to coordinate digestion. The muscles that move milk and gas through the intestines are still developing and this can sometimes lead to trapped wind or discomfort.

Researchers are also very interested in the connection between the digestive system and the nervous system, often called the gut–brain axis. Because these systems communicate closely with each another it is thought that pain in the digestive system can sometimes influence how settled a baby feels.

Another important factor is the developing nervous system, in the early months, babies are still learning how to regulate stimulation from the world around them. Light, sound, movement and interaction are all new experiences, and their nervous systems are still learning how to organise and process these sensations. For some babies this crying may simply be the nervous system’s way of releasing tension after a busy day of stimulation.

Why evenings can feel particularly difficult

Many families notice that crying which is linked to colic often follows a pattern, with the late afternoon or evening becoming a really challenging time of day, this is sometimes called the “witching hour.” By the end of the day, a baby’s nervous system may be hugely overloaded after taking in so many new sensory experiences throughout their busy day. Unlike older children and adults, babies do not yet have the ability to calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed, because of this, crying can therefore become the nervous system’s way of signalling that they need help to settle again.

Parents may be already exhausted from the day and these evening hours can feel really tough, but it can be helpful to remember they are also a common pattern seen in many babies and that you are not alone in this.

Understanding PURPLE crying

Another framework sometimes used to explain this stage of development is PURPLE crying. This framework was developed by paediatric researcher Ronald Barr

The word PURPLE is an acronym used to describe common patterns seen in infant crying.

P – Peak of crying: crying often increases around 6–8 weeks of age.

U – Unexpected: crying may begin and end suddenly.

R – Resists soothing: babies may be difficult to calm during these episodes.

P – Pain-like face: babies may appear as though they are in pain even when they are healthy.

L – Long-lasting: crying may continue for extended periods.

E – Evening: crying often occurs more in the late afternoon or evening.

Understanding these patterns can sometimes reassure parents that what they are experiencing, while difficult, is also a stage many babies pass through.

The impact on parents

Caring for a baby with prolonged crying can be emotionally and physically demanding. Sleep deprivation, uncertainty and the sound of continued crying can place considerable stress on parents and it’s not unusual for parents to feel helpless, frustrated or overwhelmed.

As humans beings we are biologically wired to respond to a baby’s cry . So when soothing attempts don’t seem to work, it can create a strong sense of urgency and worry. Many parents begin to question themselves

Wondering whether they are feeding incorrectly

Holding their baby the wrong way or

Missing an important clue.

In most cases, colic is not a reflection of parenting ability. It is simply a challenging stage that some families move through in the early months.

Gentle ways to support an unsettled baby

While there is no guaranteed way to stop colic, many parents find approaches that can help soothe their baby.

Movement like rocking, walking or carrying a baby in a sling can sometimes help calm the nervous system. These movements may recreate some of the familiar sensations babies experienced in the womb.

Skin-to-skin contact can also be comforting. The warmth, smell and sound of a caregiver’s body provide safety for a young baby.

Some families find that baby massage or gentle tummy strokes can help relieve trapped wind and support relaxation.

Creating a calmer environment during unsettled periods may also help. Lowering lights, reducing noise and slowing the pace of the evening can sometimes make it easier for babies to settle.

It’s important to remember that sometimes the most helpful thing is simply being present. Holding and comforting a crying baby provides reassurance, even when the crying itself doesn’t stop immediately.

When to seek advice

Colic is common. But it is always important for parents to seek advice if they are concerned or suspect colic in babies. The NHS advises speaking with a health visitor, GP or midwife if

Baby’s crying feels excessive.

If feeding becomes difficult or if parents are worried about their baby’s health.

A GP can check for other reasons for your baby’s discomfort, such as feeding difficulties, reflux, allergies or illness.

For those parents who are in the middle of dealing with bouts of colic with their baby it’s really hard. During the evenings when everyone in the house is probably tired, it’s really really hard. For many babies, these unsettled periods gradually ease as

Their digestive systems matures,

Their nervous systems become better organised and

Their ability to regulate stimulation improves.

It’s helpful to remember though that some babies will take a little longer than others. In most cases though the crying does eventually settle. What often matters most during this stage is not solving the crying. It is making sure both baby and parent are supported.

Babies don’t expect perfection. They need closeness, patience and the reassurance that someone is there with them… And parents deserve support too.

Even the most capable and loving parent sometimes needs someone to hear, “this is hard”, and “you are not alone.“

Tiny Hands Big Adventures

Understanding colic in babies and supporting unsettled little ones