Colic

All babies cry, but your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy. They may cry more often in the afternoon and evening. It may also be colic if, while they are crying: it's hard to soothe or settle your baby they clench their fists they go red in the face they bring their knees up to their tummy or arch their back their tummy rumbles or they're very windy It can start when a baby is a few weeks old. It usually stops by the time they're 3 to 4 months old.

Your baby does not usually need to see a doctor if they have colic. Remedies for colic, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are available from pharmacies and some shops, but they're not recommended and there's no evidence they help colic. Speak to your health visitor for advice and support. There are things they'll usually advise to help soothe your baby. Do hold or cuddle your baby when they're crying a lot sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air wind your baby after feeds gently rock your baby over your shoulder gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram bath your baby in a warm bath have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them keep feeding your baby as usual – you do not need to make any changes to your diet if you're breastfeeding Don’t do not try putting gentle pressure to your baby's spine (spinal manipulation) or skull (cranial osteopathy) – there is little evidence this works, and it may hurt your baby

Looking after a colicky baby can be upsetting, but it's usually nothing to worry about and will pass with time. Ask for support: from other parents, family or friends by calling the Cry-sis helpline free on 0800 448 0737 (9am to 10pm, 7 days a week) from your health visitor, by calling NHS 111 or seeing a GP

It's not known exactly what causes some babies to get colic. But it may be because babies find it harder to digest food when they're young. Or they may be crying because they have problems with food allergies, such as a cows' milk allergy .