09/09/2026
If you're expecting or have just brought your newborn home, chances are you've heard the word “colic.” But what does it actually mean? The short answer: it’s not as scary as it sounds.
Colic is a term used to describe repeated, prolonged periods of crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy, thriving baby when no other cause can be found. You may have heard of the traditional “Rule of Threes” as a way to help describe it: crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. While crying naturally increases during the early weeks of infancy and often peaks around 6–8 weeks, babies with colic tend to have longer, more intense or more difficult-to-soothe periods of crying than many other babies.
Here’s what we want you to know about colic:
✔️ It’s not your fault as a parent
✔️ It’s not forever
✔️ You are not alone
✔️ Most babies with colic are otherwise healthy and growing normally
And if you hit your limit? That’s okay, too. ❤️
If your baby is otherwise well and their immediate needs have been met, it’s safe to place them on their back in their crib or bassinet and step away for a short break. Walk into another room, take a few deep breaths, and give yourself 10 minutes to reset.
Call your provider if your baby’s crying comes with a 100.4°F / 38°C fever or higher, forceful vomiting or green vomit, blood in the stool, feeding or weight concerns, a high-pitched or unusual cry, difficulty breathing, or unusual sleepiness or difficult to wake. If something simply doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical advice.
This phase can be loud, exhausting, and overwhelming, but it is temporary. You’re doing great!
Still have questions? Our Free Baby-Care Class covers bathing, feeding, diapering, safe sleep, and so much more, all taught by expert Certified Nurse-Midwives. It’s 100% free, and you can sign up today through the link in our bio!
Save this for the hard nights, and tag a parent who needs the reminder that they’re doing a great job. ❤️
