Top Four Myths About Colic Every Parent Should Know

Colic is one of the most frustrating challenges for new parents. Endless crying, sleepless nights, and a worried feeling that something is wrong can make it feel overwhelming. But not everything you’ve heard about colic is true. Let’s bust the top four myths that often confuse parents—and point toward what’s really happening.

Myth 1: Colic Starts at Three Weeks
Many people believe colic begins around three weeks of age, but our research has shown that it often starts at birth. Babies don’t suddenly develop colic—they may show signs from their first days. The severity can vary, which is why some infants cry a lot while others show other less severe symptoms.

Myth 2: Colic Means Three Hours of Crying
Colic is often defined as three or more hours of crying per day. However, in over 40 years of treating Colicky babies, I have found that not every baby cries for hours. Some may show discomfort in subtle ways, like fussiness, tension, or difficulty sleeping. Crying is just one symptom, and the absence of prolonged crying doesn’t mean your baby isn’t experiencing colic. Many of the babies I’ve treated for colic don’t cry constantly, but they often show other signs of discomfort, such as:

• Pulling their legs up to their chest
• Sleeping only for short stretches
• Refusing to lie on their back
• Being especially uncomfortable on their back
• Waking from sleep screaming and hard to console
• Scratching their face or pulling their hair
• Eating only briefly at a time
• Having a red face and tightly closed eyes
• Experiencing constipation
• Having a hard, bloated belly

Myth 3: Colic Stops Automatically at Three Months
The “rule” that colic magically ends at three months is misleading. While symptoms may change over time, I have observed that the underlying cause doesn’t just disappear. Some babies continue to experience digestive discomfort well beyond the first few months, though it may present differently as they grow. I have noticed that the following symptoms are present in young children with colic:

•  Behavioral Issues
• Fussy
• Restless
• Resists Sleep
• Distended Abdomen

(Older babies and children with colic may not have a hard distended abdomen)

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irregularity
• Attachment Issues
• Crying
• Low Appetite, Picky Eater
• Waking Up Throughout the Night, Night Terrors 

Myth 4: Colic Is Caused by Dairy or Allergies
A common belief is that colic stems from a dairy allergy or other food sensitivities. While diet can sometimes play a role, my research and experience show that the real cause is often related to a tiny muscle in the digestive system called the ileocecal valve. When this muscle is weak, it can leak digestive material back into the small intestine, causing gas, bloating, and pain—leading to many of the symptoms parents recognize as colic.

The Real Solution
Understanding the true cause of colic changes everything. Strengthening the ileocecal valve is key to addressing the root of the problem. With the right guidance, parents can help their babies experience greater comfort and fewer symptoms.
To learn more about this approach and how you can help your baby, visit StoppingColic.com.