What Is Infantile Colic? Symptoms, Causes and When Is It Dangerous?

Created: 20.04.2026  ·  Last Updated: 24.07.2026  ·  Category: Pediatrics  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

Infantile colic is a condition usually seen in healthy babies, characterized by prolonged crying episodes whose exact cause is not fully understood.

It usually starts in the first weeks of life and often resolves on its own by 3-4 months of age.

It is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks.

Important Information: Infantile colic is often temporary and benign; however, if fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, poor weight gain, feeding refusal or constant restlessness is present, medical evaluation is required to rule out another health problem.

What Is Infantile Colic?

Infantile colic refers to prolonged, difficult-to-soothe crying episodes in an otherwise healthy-looking baby without an obvious sign of illness.

  • It usually starts in the first weeks of life and often resolves on its own by 3-4 months of age.
  • It is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks.

What Are the Symptoms of Infantile Colic?

These symptoms usually occur when the baby’s general health is otherwise good:

  • Unexplained, prolonged crying that is difficult to stop
  • Increased restlessness, especially in the evening
  • Pulling the legs toward the abdomen
  • Abdominal tension and gas passing
  • Temporary relief after passing gas
  • Facial redness and clenched fists

What Causes Infantile Colic?

The exact cause of infantile colic is unknown, but some factors stand out:

  • The digestive system not yet being fully mature
  • Gas accumulation
  • Overstimulation, such as light, sound or crowds
  • Imbalance in intestinal flora
  • In some cases, food sensitivities transmitted through breast milk

You can contact us for pediatric evaluation in babies with prolonged crying and restlessness.

Book an Appointment

How Is Infantile Colic Diagnosed?

There is no specific test for infantile colic. Diagnosis is usually made by evaluating:

  • The baby’s overall health being good
  • No pathological finding on physical examination
  • The duration and frequency of crying.

The doctor evaluates the baby to rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.

When Is Infantile Colic Dangerous?

Not every crying episode is colic. A doctor should be consulted in the following situations:

  • Fever
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Poor weight gain
  • Feeding refusal
  • Constant restlessness and sleep disturbance

These symptoms may indicate another health problem.

Get Evaluated for Prolonged Crying in Babies

Although colic is usually temporary, pediatric evaluation is important if fever, vomiting, feeding refusal or poor weight gain is present.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does infantile colic start?
It usually begins within 2-3 weeks after birth.
Does a baby with colic cry all the time?
No. Crying occurs in episodes and usually increases at certain times of the day.
Is colic permanent?
No. It is a temporary condition and does not cause a long-term permanent health problem.
When should a doctor be consulted in infantile colic?
A doctor should be consulted if there is fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, poor weight gain, feeding refusal, constant restlessness or sleep disturbance.
Academic Hospital note: Infantile colic is diagnosed by evaluating the baby’s general health and ruling out other possible causes. If your baby has prolonged crying episodes or accompanying warning signs, you can book an appointment.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Colic - Symptoms and causes
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Colic: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions
  3. NHS. Colic
  4. HealthyChildren.org. Colic Relief Tips for Parents