At a glance
- Crying, clenched fists, drawn-up legs or passing gas do not prove colic, reflux or a food allergy. Ask the clinician about new, persistent or worrying crying instead of relying on a time-based rule.
- Respond to hunger cues and continue the baby’s usual feeds. Ask for feeding support if feeding seems painful or difficult. Crying alone is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, restrict the breastfeeding parent’s diet or repeatedly switch formula; discuss suspected feeding problems with the clinician.
- While fully awake, hold the baby close with the head and neck supported and the face and airway clear. Try gentle rocking, quiet talking or singing, a diaper check and a calm setting. Pause to burp during or after feeds if helpful; no technique works every time.
- For every sleep, place the baby on their back in their own crib or bassinet on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only. Colic or gas does not make tummy sleeping, side sleeping, an inclined surface, a sofa or sleeping in a sleeping adult’s arms safe.
- If overwhelmed, place the baby on their back in an empty, safe crib and step away briefly to calm down. Stay nearby, check on the baby frequently and call a trusted, calm adult to help. Never shake, hit or throw a baby. If you fear you cannot keep the baby safe, seek immediate help from local emergency services.
- Arrange a clinical review if crying is persistent, changing or hard to manage, or if you remain worried despite reassurance. Bring observations about feeding, sleep, urine, stools and what helped. A quieter interval or a shorter diary entry does not rule out illness.
What crying can and cannot tell you
Crying, clenched fists, drawn-up legs or passing gas do not prove colic, reflux or a food allergy. Ask the clinician about new, persistent or worrying crying instead of relying on a time-based rule.
Arrange a clinical review if crying is persistent, changing or hard to manage, or if you remain worried despite reassurance. Bring observations about feeding, sleep, urine, stools and what helped. A quieter interval or a shorter diary entry does not rule out illness.
Check warning signs first
Call local emergency services for difficult breathing, blue or grey lips, a limp baby, a seizure or a baby who is very difficult to wake. Get emergency assessment now for green or bloody vomit, a swollen painful belly, or a weak, high-pitched or clearly unusual cry. If the baby may have been shaken or injured, seek emergency help; do not wait to finish the diary.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if crying seems like colic. Seek prompt advice for poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, blood in stool or poor weight gain. Do not delay assessment to try a remedy or collect more diary entries.
Gentle soothing and feeding support
While fully awake, hold the baby close with the head and neck supported and the face and airway clear. Try gentle rocking, quiet talking or singing, a diaper check and a calm setting. Pause to burp during or after feeds if helpful; no technique works every time.
Respond to hunger cues and continue the baby’s usual feeds. Ask for feeding support if feeding seems painful or difficult. Crying alone is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, restrict the breastfeeding parent’s diet or repeatedly switch formula; discuss suspected feeding problems with the clinician.
Do not give gripe water, herbal mixtures, anti-colic drops or probiotic supplements as a routine treatment without discussing them with the child’s clinician. Benefits and safety vary by product; this guide does not recommend a remedy, formula change or restricted diet.
Keep every sleep safe
For every sleep, place the baby on their back in their own crib or bassinet on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only. Colic or gas does not make tummy sleeping, side sleeping, an inclined surface, a sofa or sleeping in a sleeping adult’s arms safe.
Plan breaks and ask for help
If overwhelmed, place the baby on their back in an empty, safe crib and step away briefly to calm down. Stay nearby, check on the baby frequently and call a trusted, calm adult to help. Never shake, hit or throw a baby. If you fear you cannot keep the baby safe, seek immediate help from local emergency services.
Common questions
Does gas mean my baby has colic?
Crying, clenched fists, drawn-up legs or passing gas do not prove colic, reflux or a food allergy. Ask the clinician about new, persistent or worrying crying instead of relying on a time-based rule.
Should I stop breastfeeding or change formula?
Respond to hunger cues and continue the baby’s usual feeds. Ask for feeding support if feeding seems painful or difficult. Crying alone is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, restrict the breastfeeding parent’s diet or repeatedly switch formula; discuss suspected feeding problems with the clinician.
Should I try gripe water, herbs or probiotics?
Do not give gripe water, herbal mixtures, anti-colic drops or probiotic supplements as a routine treatment without discussing them with the child’s clinician. Benefits and safety vary by product; this guide does not recommend a remedy, formula change or restricted diet.
Can my baby sleep on their tummy for gas?
For every sleep, place the baby on their back in their own crib or bassinet on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only. Colic or gas does not make tummy sleeping, side sleeping, an inclined surface, a sofa or sleeping in a sleeping adult’s arms safe.
What if I cannot cope with the crying?
If overwhelmed, place the baby on their back in an empty, safe crib and step away briefly to calm down. Stay nearby, check on the baby frequently and call a trusted, calm adult to help. Never shake, hit or throw a baby. If you fear you cannot keep the baby safe, seek immediate help from local emergency services.
Sources
- NHS — Colic
- AAP — Vomiting in babies: warning signs
- AAP — Safe sleep for babies
- CDC — Preventing abusive head trauma
- AAP — Fever and your baby
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.