If your baby cries endlessly despite being fed, changed, and cuddled, you might be wondering what you’re doing wrong. The short answer? Probably nothing. If your baby is otherwise healthy but cries for hours on end, especially in the evening, colic might be the culprit. And yes, colic can affect breastfed babies too.
This guide is here to help you understand what’s going on, what might be causing it, and what you can do to get through it. You’re not alone—and you’re not failing.
What Is Colic, Exactly?
Colic is intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby. The classic definition is crying that lasts for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or more. It usually shows up in the first few weeks of life, peaks around six weeks, and tends to go away by the time your baby is three or four months old.
An estimated 1 in every 5 babies experiences colic. That doesn’t make it easier—but it does mean you’re not alone.
Can Breastfed Babies Get Colic?
Absolutely. A common myth is that colic only happens in formula-fed babies, but breastfed babies can have colic too. While breastfeeding does offer digestive benefits and emotional closeness, it’s not a shield against colic.
Colicky babies are usually gaining weight and producing enough wet and dirty diapers—if not, it’s time to check in with your pediatrician.
Signs of Colic in a Breastfed Baby
Not sure if it’s colic? Here are some signs:
- Intense, often high-pitched crying
- Crying at a consistent time each day (often late afternoon or evening)
- Pulling legs toward the belly, arching the back, clenching fists
- A hard, bloated tummy
- Gas or frequent spit-up
- Red face and body tension while crying
What Causes Colic?
There’s no one clear cause, but several factors may play a role:
- Swallowed air from crying or feeding quickly: When babies feed rapidly or cry a lot, they tend to swallow air. This extra air gets trapped in their digestive system, leading to painful gas and bloating.
- Overactive letdown, where milk sprays too fast and baby gulps air: If your milk flows too forcefully, your baby may struggle to keep up and swallow air in the process. This can create tummy discomfort. Feeding in a reclined position or expressing a bit of milk beforehand may help.
- A lactose overload: If you have an oversupply of milk, it can cause digestive upset. Letting your baby fully finish one breast before switching can help balance this out.
- Sensitivity to something in mom’s diet, often dairy: Some breastfed babies react to proteins in the foods you eat—especially dairy.
- Immature digestion that just needs time to develop: Your baby’s digestive system is still getting up to speed in the early months. Gas, cramping, and irregular bowel movements can be part of this adjustment period.
- Reflux, especially if baby spits up a lot and seems uncomfortable: If your baby frequently spits up and seems fussy during or after feeds, they might have reflux.
- Too much stimulation—noise, lights, or general activity: Some babies are more sensitive to their surroundings. A noisy or chaotic environment can overwhelm their nervous system and trigger crying spells.
- Exposure to cigarette smoke: Babies exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of colic.
- High caffeine intake from mom’s diet: Caffeine passes through breast milk in small amounts. If you’re drinking several cups of coffee or soda a day, it could be overstimulating your baby’s system, making it harder for them to settle.
Breastfeeding and Colic Remedies
Here are some real-life strategies that many parents find helpful:
- Burp your baby often—during and after feeds
- Feed more frequently—don’t wait too long between feeds
- Switch up positions—try feeding while lying back or in a side-lying position
- Wear your baby in a sling or hip seat carrier—movement helps calm colicky babies
- Try tummy massage or a warm bath—soothing and can help with gas
- Hold baby upright after feeds—for at least 20 minutes
- Try gripe water or gas drops—ask your pediatrician first
- Look into products like the gas and colic reliever—a baby-safe tool to relieve trapped ga
- Boiron Cocyntal—a homeopathic liquid some parents use for gas and colic (again, check with your doctor)
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Colic is frustrating but usually harmless. That said, check in with your doctor if:
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight well
- There’s blood in your baby’s stool
- The crying is getting worse or doesn’t match the usual colic pattern
- You suspect reflux or an allergy
- You’re feeling overwhelmed and need support
Taking Care of Yourself, Too
This is not just about the baby—it’s about you, too. Crying that won’t stop can take a toll.
- Take breaks when you can
- Hand baby off to a partner, family member, or friend
- Step away if you need to reset—place baby safely in the crib and breathe
- Talk to someone. That could be your doctor or a friend
- You are not failing. Colic doesn’t last forever, and it doesn’t define your ability to parent.
Final Thoughts on Breastfeeding and Colic
Breastfeeding a colicky baby is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do—but you’re doing it. There’s no quick fix, but there are ways to make things a little easier, one feed, one burp, one long exhale at a time.
Colic fades. Your baby will grow. And you’ll come out the other side with a bond that’s stronger than ever.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Colic – Symptoms & Causes – Mayo Clinic (2021)
Comprehensive medical overview defining colic, its signs, timeline, and general causes. - Infantile Colic (Nursing) – StatPearls – Banks et al., 2023
Clinically reviewed summary with detailed data on incidence, diagnostic criteria, and management in breastfed infants. - Colic and Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding.Support (2025)
Specialized breastfeeding resource offering specific insights into overactive letdown, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, and maternal diet connections.
