Colic in babies is characterized by excessive crying in otherwise healthy babies, usually occurring in a baby’s first few months of life. Despite it being a common condition, it can of course be distressing and worrying for parents. It’s important to know that colic is benign, temporary, and treatable.
As many as 25% of infants are diagnosed with the condition, which is defined by long periods of crying and hard-to-soothe behavior without any apparent cause.
Crying episodes typically last for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, and persist for at least three weeks. It often occurs in the late afternoon or evening, causing distress and frustration for both parents.
Symptoms usually peak when an infant is about six weeks old and decline significantly after three or four months.
This article breaks down what colic is, outlines common symptoms, explores possible causes, and offers practical, evidence-based ways to help soothe colicky babies. It also discusses the potential role of probiotics and includes links to the BioGaia Learning Lab and relevant clinical resources for deeper learning.
Causes of Colic in Infants
The reasons for colic are multifactorial and not yet fully understood.
An article published by the National Library of Medicine says that “evidence suggests that infantile colic might have several independent causes. The medical hypotheses include food hypersensitivity or allergy, immaturity of gut function and dysmotility, and the behavioral hypotheses include inadequate maternal-infant interaction, anxiety in the mother and difficult infant temperament.”
Research increasingly shows that infant gut microbiome may influence the development of colic in babies.
Colic and the Gut Microbiota
Studies have consistently shown that babies with colic have an altered gut microbiota. In fact, infantile colic is one of the most thoroughly studied conditions in the field of pediatric microbiome research.
Low levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and high levels of E. coli have been observed in colicky infants compared to non-colicky infants.
Such an imbalance of the microbiota could be a possible cause for abnormal gut motility and increased gas production, implicating dysbiosis as a key driver in infantile colic.
Researchers have found that infants with colic often have fewer beneficial gut bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and higher levels of potential unwanted bacteria compared to non-colicky infants.
Colic Relief: What Works?
There isn’t a single “cure” for colic, but some strategies can help reduce crying and support comfort.
Soothing Techniques
- Gentle rocking or swaddling
- White noise or rhythmic sounds
- Carrying the baby upright
- Calm, soft talking or singing
Feeding Adjustments
Improving latch or bottle-feeding techniques can reduce swallowed air and gas.
Probiotics for Colic
Numerous studies have also shown that colic may be alleviated or even prevented by supplementation with specific probiotics, primarily L. reuteri Protectis® (Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938).*
Probiotics for Babies
Probiotics containing specific strains of beneficial bacteria can help regulate the gut microbiota and promote a healthier digestive environment.
Additionally, probiotics play an important role in supporting a healthy immune system. The introduction of beneficial bacteria into the baby's gut can help strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing the likelihood of disturbances that could exacerbate colic symptoms.
In 2004, BioGaia launched the world’s first probiotic drops for babies. Today, BioGaia Protectis baby drops are the most researched probiotic for infantile colic.
BioGaia Protectis baby drops contain the patented lactic acid bacterium L. reuteri, which is clinically proven to reach the gut alive. BioGaia’s number one-selling probiotic supplement for babies promotes the healthy function of the GI tract and helps restore the balance of a baby's digestive system.*
Studies using BioGaia Protectis baby drops have shown reduced crying and fussing in colicky babies and improved well-being for both mother and baby.*
Learn more about probiotics and bacteria strains
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Colic itself is not dangerous, but contact a pediatrician if:
- Your baby shows signs of illness (fever, refusal to eat)
- There’s poor weight gain
- Crying seems unrelated to typical patterns
A clinician can rule out other causes of crying and help guide the next steps.
Summary: Understanding and Managing Baby Colic
If you’re wondering what colic in babies is, it’s a temporary condition in babies marked by prolonged crying in otherwise healthy infants. Affecting up to 25% of babies, colic often peaks around six weeks and resolves by four months. While distressing for parents, colic is benign and manageable with soothing techniques, feeding adjustments, and probiotics that support gut health.
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*According to the number of publications at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (October 2024)
