How Do I Know If My Baby Is Colicky?

Is your baby crying for no apparent reason (not hungry, or not needing a diaper change)?

Does your baby cry at about the same time each day (usually in the evening)?

Does your baby cry as if something is hurting it?

Does your baby cry loudly, almost like it is screaming?

Does your baby turn bright red in the face while crying?

Does your baby clench its fists or curling up its legs while crying?

Is your baby extremely nervous even after crying has subsided?

Have you noticed relief of symptoms after your baby passes gas or has a stool?

Is your baby between 4 and 6 weeks old?

Based on your answers, there are a few more ways to know if your baby is colicky. Colic refers to excessive crying or nervousness for no apparent reason in an otherwise healthy baby. Your baby has colic if it cries for more than 3 hours every day, at least 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in a row. Episodes of colic are usually worst between the fourth and sixth weeks of age, while slowly disappearing after the baby is 3 months old. A colicky baby cries at about the same time every day. The baby cries intensely as if something is hurting it.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to recognize a colicky baby. A baby with colic cries loudly, almost screams and becomes red in the face. You may notice that your baby has a tense stomach, stiff legs and arms, clenched fists or a rounded back. Colic can be especially frustrating for parents because their baby is upset for no apparent reason and they don't know what else to do to calm it down. These episodes usually happen in the evening when the parents are often tired as well. Sometimes the symptoms may go away after your baby passes gas or has a stool.