Symptoms of Colic
Colic isn’t just long periods of crying. It can also show up as grunting, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or spitting up. One of the most noticeable signs in infants is a bloated belly. By around three months, the belly may soften, but other symptoms may continue.
Doc has found that many babies show signs of colic from the very beginning, often as early as birth. These symptoms can become more noticeable or intense as your baby grows. Babies can be treated as soon as any of these signs show. Certain foods in breastfeeding babies may make symptoms worse.
Doc has found that many babies show signs of colic from the very beginning, often as early as birth. These symptoms can become more noticeable or intense as your baby grows. Babies can be treated as soon as any of these signs show. Certain foods in breastfeeding babies may make symptoms worse.
|
most common colic symptoms
|
How do I know if my baby has colic?
Not all babies show every symptom. Typical signs include stiffness, fussing, crying, or spitting up. One of the most noticeable signs in infants is a bloated belly. By around three months, the belly may soften, but other symptoms may continue. Babies with colic often seem stiff, though this is due to discomfort, not muscle problems. You may also notice frequent spit-ups. Most babies with colic overeat, not because they’re hungry, but because they’re trying to soothe pain. This overfeeding can lead to spitting up. Observing body language is key to distinguishing colic from hunger or other discomforts.
I have comprised a list 34 colic symptoms that may surprise you. If your baby has more than two or three symptoms on the list below, they may be suffering from Colic.
Not all babies show every symptom. Typical signs include stiffness, fussing, crying, or spitting up. One of the most noticeable signs in infants is a bloated belly. By around three months, the belly may soften, but other symptoms may continue. Babies with colic often seem stiff, though this is due to discomfort, not muscle problems. You may also notice frequent spit-ups. Most babies with colic overeat, not because they’re hungry, but because they’re trying to soothe pain. This overfeeding can lead to spitting up. Observing body language is key to distinguishing colic from hunger or other discomforts.
I have comprised a list 34 colic symptoms that may surprise you. If your baby has more than two or three symptoms on the list below, they may be suffering from Colic.
Extensive Colic Symptom Checklist
Click the box above the symptom to place a checkmark in the box. If your baby has more than 2 or 3 symptoms on this list, they may be suffering from colic.
- Grunting
- Fussing
- Crying
- Kicking of the legs
- Flaring of the arms
- Arching of the back
- Distention of the abdomen
- Developing umbilical hernia
- Continually wanting to suck
- Rooting and sucking
- Inability to stay latched on the breast or the bottle
- Decreased bowel motion
- Pain or passing flatulence and stool (liquid or formed)
- Scratching of the face, ears, head, and pulling hair
- Inability to lie flat on back without crying
- Refusing to take a pacifier
- Vomiting, either projectile or just spitting up frequently; usually diagnosed as acid reflux or silent reflux
- Crying with eyes closed
- Not sleeping except for short periods
- Sleeping at odd hours, usually described as having days and nights mixed up
- Crying sounds mostly high pitch and variable with high and lows
- Always wanting to have motion, such as swinging and bouncing
- Always wanting to be held in an upright position
- When being held, always trying to crawl up over the adults shoulder
- Calming down when riding in a vehicle and crying when the motion stops
- Kicking the legs, most frequently the left leg, as an attempt to help move the descending colon
- Having a stiff and rigid body with clenched hands and contracted arms and legs
- Usually diagnosed as Lactose intolerant
- Colic pain starts any time from birth to 6 weeks old
- Decreased weight gain - underfed because of pain
- Increased weight gain - overfed because of pain
- Normal GI tests despite ongoing symptoms
- Eventually developing hemorrhoids or rectal fissures
- Colic pain can last for months and years; after 1 year is usually diagnosed as something other than colic such as colitis, irritable bowel, indigestion, heart burn, gastritis, Chron’s, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea
While these are the symptoms Doc has documented, he has also observed additional symptoms in some babies. This list is meant as a guide to help you recognize colic, but every baby is unique and may show other signs as well.
How colic changes as your baby ages
From my experience, if colic isn’t addressed, it doesn’t simply go away—it can just change as your baby grows. Doctors explain that newborns have immature digestive systems, which is why many infants seem to outgrow colic by around six months.
In my research, I’ve found that while many babies do improve, underlying digestive issues and irregular bowel function can sometimes continue in subtle ways.
Interestingly, a high number of adults also experience digestive problems that are very similar to what we see in babies with colic.
That’s why treating colic early isn’t just about easing your baby’s discomfort—it may help support a healthier digestive system that can benefit them for a lifetime.
In my research, I’ve found that while many babies do improve, underlying digestive issues and irregular bowel function can sometimes continue in subtle ways.
Interestingly, a high number of adults also experience digestive problems that are very similar to what we see in babies with colic.
That’s why treating colic early isn’t just about easing your baby’s discomfort—it may help support a healthier digestive system that can benefit them for a lifetime.
Signs of Colic in Small Children
|
|
Questioning the Rule of 3
Is This Really the Best Definition of Colic?
|
The “Rule of 3” is the traditional way doctors have defined colic for many years. It goes like this:
However, the Colic Doc has found that colic involves more than just crying—babies may also show signs like grunting, trouble sleeping, discomfort, or spitting up after feeding. The 34-symptom checklist above shows just how many ways colic pain can appear. That’s why understanding the root cause of colic is so important for finding real relief. |
How Does Doc Calm Colic?
D.R. Scharenberg, D.C. has developed a proven technique for treating infant colic that is gentle, non-invasive, and does not involve spinal manipulation, supplements, or medication. What sets his approach apart is a method that provides lasting relief by addressing the root cause of colic—not just the symptoms. D.R. Scharenberg, D.C.’s in-office colic treatments often bring relief in just a few sessions. For families who cannot travel, a self-guided video course is available to teach parents how to help their own babies at home.
