Colic is a common condition that affects many babies in the first few months of life. It is characterized by episodes of intense, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy infant. Colic often begins around 2-3 weeks of age and peaks at around 6-8 weeks, then begins improving by 3-4 months. Understanding when colic is most likely to start can help parents be prepared to handle this challenging time.
What is colic?
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours per day, for more than 3 days per week, for at least 1 week. The crying often happens at the same time each day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. This prolonged, intense crying may happen for no clear reason and does not respond to typical soothing techniques.
Some key features of colic include:
- Crying begins suddenly and for no apparent reason
- Episodes of crying typically last from a few minutes up to 3 hours
- Crying often happens at the same time each day, usually in the late afternoon/evening
- Intense crying that cannot be soothed or consoled
- Otherwise healthy baby who is growing normally
Colic is distinct from normal fussiness or crying that has an identifiable cause like hunger, a wet diaper, etc. With colic, the reason for the crying cannot be determined.
When does colic start?
Colic most often begins around 2-3 weeks of age. The frequency and duration of crying episodes then gradually increase and colic typically peaks in intensity around 6-8 weeks of age. After that peak, symptoms often start to slowly improve. By 3-4 months of age, most babies have outgrown their colic.
Here is a timeline of when colic commonly starts and progresses:
- 2-3 weeks: Early signs of colic may begin. Crying may increase in the evenings.
- 4 weeks: Colic symptoms become more established. Crying may last 1+ hours per day.
- 6-8 weeks: Colic peaks, with crying episodes lasting 2-3+ hours per day.
- 10-12 weeks: Crying gradually becomes less frequent and severe.
- 3-4 months: Most babies have improved significantly or outgrown colic.
While this is the typical timeline, some babies may start showing symptoms a bit earlier or later. Premature infants may experience an earlier onset around 1 week of age. Firstborns also tend to develop colic a bit earlier than subsequent children. But in most cases, the peak of colic is around 6-8 weeks.
Signs that colic is starting
In the early weeks, there are some subtle signs that can indicate colic is emerging:
- Increase in evening fussiness: Baby becomes fussier and harder to soothe in the evenings.
- Settling difficulties: Taking longer to fall asleep and frequent waking at night.
- Feeding changes: Decreased appetite, pulling off breast/bottle during feeds.
- Tensing the body: Arching the back, clenching fists, stiffening legs when crying.
- Difficult to console: Crying continues despite soothing techniques like rocking, swaddling, etc.
Paying attention to these early cues can help parents be proactive and prepared when colic fully develops. Keeping detailed logs of feeding times, sleep patterns, and crying episodes will also help determine if colic signs are emerging.
Why does colic start so early?
The underlying causes of colic are still not entirely clear. But there are some factors that may help explain why it arises so early in a baby’s life:
- Immature nervous system: A baby’s ability to self-regulate emotions is still developing. Their nerves may overreact and get overwhelmed easily.
- GI system maturation: Digestion is still maturing, which can cause discomfort like gas pains.
- Hypersensitivity: Newborns have enhanced senses and may get overstimulated easily.
- Increased wakefulness: Babies start having more awake time around 6 weeks, making it harder to sleep.
- Need for routine: Around 6-8 weeks, babies start craving more consistent routines.
The first 3 months of life involve huge adjustments as babies adapt to life outside the womb. Their bodies and senses are still developing, which can make them prone to colic while they work through this sensitive transition period.
Does colic run in families?
There does seem to be a hereditary factor when it comes to colic. Babies who have a sibling with colic are over 3 times more likely to have it themselves. Having a parent or grandparent who suffered from colic also increases a baby’s risk.
Some research has identified certain genes that may get passed down and predispose babies to colic. Differences in gut bacteria between colicky and non-colicky babies may also have a hereditary component.
While genetics and family history play a role, they do not guarantee that a baby will develop colic. Environmental factors like nutrition and gut health also influence whether colic ultimately develops.
Can colic be prevented from starting?
Because the causes of colic are complex and not entirely known, there are no guarantees for preventing it completely. But there are some proactive steps parents can take that may help reduce the chances of colic developing:
- Get checked for tongue/lip ties if breastfeeding is difficult
- Burp frequently during feeds to avoid gas buildup
- Hold baby upright for 10-15 minutes after feeding
- Limit stimulation and overhandling
- Use probiotics and pediatric massage
- Avoid mom eating gassy foods if breastfeeding
- Maintain a calming environment and consistent routine
Implementing some preventative strategies like these from the earliest weeks may help, but unfortunately colic cannot always be avoided completely.
Coping with the start of colic
Despite best efforts at prevention, many babies will still develop colic around 2-3 weeks of age. Here are some tips for coping once those early colic symptoms start emerging:
- Track and log: Note timing, duration and responses to soothing for every crying episode.
- Take breaks: Trade off with your partner or call on others for support.
- Use noise-blocking headphones: Reduce sensory overload from the crying.
- Try different soothing techniques: Experiment to find what works best for your baby.
- Sleep when baby sleeps: Get as much rest as you can between crying storms.
- Ask your pediatrician for help: They can rule out other issues and provide guidance.
- Be patient and stay hopeful: This trying time will pass as your baby’s body adjusts.
The start of colic is exhausting and emotional, but supporting each other through the challenges can help families manage.
When to call the doctor
If a young baby has persistent, inconsolable crying, it’s always a good idea to check with the pediatrician to rule out any medical problems. Contact your child’s doctor right away if the crying is accompanied by any of the following:
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in stool
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Signs of dehydration
Any excessive crying in a newborn should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. While colic is generally not medically dangerous, it’s important to exclude other potential issues.
Outlook for babies with colic
The intense crying and distress of colic can be difficult for both babies and parents. But the good news is that colic is temporary and most babies grow out of it. There are no long-term effects on development or temperament.
Babies who endure colic are no more likely to have issues like sleep problems, infections, or constipation compared to babies without colic. The key is ensuring proper nutrition, hydration, and weight gain during the colicky period.
As gut function matures and babies get better at self-soothing and managing stimulation, the symptoms dissipate. By 3-4 months, most colicky babies are as happy and healthy as other babies.
Conclusion
Colic is a common phase many babies go through in the first few months of life. While the causes are multifactorial and not fully understood, there are some strategies that may help reduce its severity. Knowing that colic often begins around 2-3 weeks and peaks around 6-8 weeks can help parents mentally prepare for this challenging time. With support and patience, families can get through the trying colic phase together.