Colic in babies: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For colic in babies you can first see: Pediatrics. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week; spells usually starting in the evening and at night; pulling the legs up to the tummy and clenching fists; a red face; relief after passing wind or a bowel movement. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

Never shake a baby; shaken baby syndrome can be fatal. Do not give herbal teas, sugar, honey or medicines without asking a doctor; honey must not be given under one year of age.

The most common causes: the exact cause is unknown; an immature digestive system; swallowing air during feeds; rarely, cow’s milk protein allergy. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Colic usually goes away by itself at 3–4 months and leaves no long-term harm.

In most babies at 3–4 months, in some by 6 months.

A baby with colic feeds well between spells, gains weight and has no fever. If there is fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody stools or refusal to feed, see a paediatrician.

In some babies, cow’s milk protein in the mother’s diet can cause problems. Do not change your diet without talking to your paediatrician.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Does the baby have a fever (38 °C or higher)? Fever in a baby under 3 months is an emergency.” “Is there projectile or green vomiting?” “Is there blood in the stool, or a swollen or hard tummy?” “Is the baby not feeding or excessively sleepy?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the crying spells continue after 4 months; the baby is not gaining weight; there is frequent vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation; crying started suddenly and will not stop.