# Why Is My Baby Crying? Colic, Causes & How to Soothe | Clever Mum > The common reasons newborns cry, what colic actually is, calming techniques that help, and the red-flag signs that mean you should get medical help. * [ Home ](/) * › [ Baby ](/baby/) * › Why Is My Baby Crying? Colic and How to Comfort Them Baby # Why Is My Baby Crying? Colic and How to Comfort Them [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/) By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides Published 11 July 2026 · Updated 12 August 2026 Quick answer — What is colic and how long does it last? Babies cry to communicate — usually hunger, a dirty nappy, tiredness, wind, or needing comfort. Colic is frequent, intense crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby, often in the evenings, peaking around 6 weeks and easing by 3–4 months. Work through the checklist, try calming holds and white noise, and get help if crying comes with fever, poor feeding or breathing trouble. Who should skip this Skip this if your baby has a fever, a non-blanching rash, or you think they are unwell — call 111 or 999. Skip sleep-training advice under 12 weeks. 3 minute read · Sources linked below On this page — jump to a section ## Choose a section * [ 1 Who should skip this crying and colic guide? ](#who-should-skip-this-crying-and-colic-guide) * [ 2 What should you check first when a baby will not stop crying? ](#what-should-you-check-first-when-a-baby-will-not-stop-crying) * [ 3 What is colic, actually? ](#what-is-colic-actually) * [ 4 Which calming techniques actually help? ](#which-calming-techniques-actually-help) * [ 5 How do you look after yourself during colic weeks? ](#how-do-you-look-after-yourself-during-colic-weeks) * [ 6 When is crying a red flag that needs medical help? ](#when-is-crying-a-red-flag-that-needs-medical-help) Start with the boring checklist: hungry, wind, hot or cold, nappy, tired, overstimulated. Most crying is one of those. Colic is a description of repeated, inconsolable crying in an otherwise well baby — often evenings, often weeks 2–6 — not a disease you catch. If crying comes with a fever, a rash that does not fade, breathing trouble, or a baby who is hard to wake, that is medical, not colic. ## Who should skip this crying and colic guide? Skip this if your baby has a fever, a non-blanching rash, or you are worried they are unwell — use [when to take a baby fever to A&E](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/) or call 111/999. Skip sleep-training advice if they are under 12 weeks. Skip "colic products" marketing if the checklist above has not been tried for a week. ## What should you check first when a baby will not stop crying? Feed, wind, nappy, temperature (chest or neck, not hands), too much light and noise, or not enough holding. Then try a change of position: skin-to-skin, a walk, a carrier. The NHS crying-baby page is the source for "it is common, it passes, and you should never shake a baby" ([NHS — crying](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/crying/), checked 12 August 2026). If you are at the edge, put the baby down in a clear cot on their back and walk out for a few minutes. That is safer than holding on through panic. Call a friend or the ICON / crying-baby helpline on your health visitor's card. ## What is colic, actually? A pattern: crying that looks painful, often late afternoon and evening, in a baby who is otherwise feeding and growing. It usually eases by 3–4 months. We do not have a single proven cause. That is why every product claims to fix it and none reliably does. Gripe water, special formula, and "colic drops" have weak evidence; some families swear by them, which is not the same as a trial. If crying is worse during or after feeds, or there is arching, vomiting, or poor weight gain, talk to your GP or health visitor — that may be reflux, cow's milk allergy, or something else, not "colic". ## Which calming techniques actually help? White noise, a wrap or carrier, motion (pram, car, your own walking), a dim room, and a consistent wind-down. The "5 S" set (swaddle if they are not rolling, side/stomach *while holding*, shush, swing, suck) is a holding pattern, not a cot position — back to sleep in the cot, always. See [carriers](/best/best-baby-carriers-uk/), [white noise](/best/best-white-noise-machines-uk/), and [bouncers](/best/best-baby-bouncers-swings-uk/) if you want kit. Never use a bouncer or car seat as an overnight sleep space. ## How do you look after yourself during colic weeks? Shifts if there are two of you. One protected 4-hour block of sleep is worth more than a gadget. If you feel rage, hopelessness, or fear you might harm the baby, that is a health emergency for *you* — call your GP, 111, or 999. You are not a bad parent for needing that call. ## When is crying a red flag that needs medical help? Call 999 if they are struggling to breathe, are floppy or hard to wake, have a rash that does not fade under a glass, or you think they have had a seizure. Call 111 or your GP the same day for a fever in a baby under 3 months, fewer wet nappies, bile-green vomit, or crying that feels different from their usual. Trust that instinct. One next action: write the checklist on a card for the 7pm witching hour, and put the 111 number next to it. ## Which gear is worth getting right? Shortlists we actually research — rankings can't be bought, and every pick links to retailers we've verified. [ Best-of guide ### Best Baby Bouncers & Swings UK The best baby bouncers and swings in the UK — natural motion, powered options and safe-use guidance compared for newborn to sitting age. 5 picks compared ](/best/best-baby-bouncers-swings-uk/)[ Best-of guide ### Best White Noise Machines for Babies UK Compare baby white noise machines and portable soothers by volume controls, timers and placement. Understand the limits of sleep and sound-safety claims. 5 picks compared ](/best/best-white-noise-machines-uk/)[ Best-of guide ### Best Baby Carriers & Slings UK: Fit & Newborn Options Compare baby carriers and slings for newborns and toddlers. Check minimum weight, adult fit, carrying positions and TICKS sling-safety guidance. 6 picks compared ](/best/best-baby-carriers-uk/) ## What questions come up most? What is colic and how long does it last? Colic is frequent, intense crying in a healthy, well-fed, growing baby — often in the evenings, with a red face and drawn-up legs. It usually starts in the first few weeks, peaks around 6 weeks, and settles by 3–4 months. It is exhausting but not dangerous. How can I calm a crying baby? Work through the basics (feed, nappy, temperature, tiredness, wind), then try holding and movement, skin-to-skin, white noise, a warm bath, gentle tummy massage, or a change of scene. Reducing light, noise and stimulation often helps an overtired or overstimulated baby. When should I worry about my baby’s crying? Seek medical help if crying comes with a high temperature, a weak or unusual high-pitched cry, poor feeding, far fewer wet nappies, difficulty breathing, a non-fading rash, green vomit, or if your instinct says something is wrong. Call 111, or 999 if it seems serious. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the crying? Put your baby down somewhere safe — on their back in the cot — leave the room, and take a few minutes to breathe. Never shake a baby. Ask for help early from a partner, friend or your health visitor. Feeling overwhelmed is common and support is available. ## Sources & further reading * [ Soothing a crying baby ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/) — NHS * [ Colic ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/) — NHS ## On this page * [ 1 Who should skip this crying and colic guide? ](#who-should-skip-this-crying-and-colic-guide) * [ 2 What should you check first when a baby will not stop crying? ](#what-should-you-check-first-when-a-baby-will-not-stop-crying) * [ 3 What is colic, actually? ](#what-is-colic-actually) * [ 4 Which calming techniques actually help? ](#which-calming-techniques-actually-help) * [ 5 How do you look after yourself during colic weeks? ](#how-do-you-look-after-yourself-during-colic-weeks) * [ 6 When is crying a red flag that needs medical help? ](#when-is-crying-a-red-flag-that-needs-medical-help) ## At a glance Common causes Hunger, nappy, tired, wind, comfort Colic peaks Around 6 weeks Colic eases By 3–4 months Golden rule Never shake a baby Get help if Fever, poor feeding, breathing trouble Our promise Health-adjacent points cite NHS or equivalent guidance. This article is general information, not medical advice — see our [editorial policy](/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [ Baby ### When to Take a Baby with a Fever to A&E (UK) NHS-aligned UK guide to baby fever: exact °C thresholds by age, when to call 999 or 111, safe home care, and red flags that mean skip the wait. ](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/)[ Baby ### Newborn Sleep: An Honest Guide to the First 12 Weeks What newborn sleep really looks like in the first 12 weeks — safer-sleep rules, realistic expectations, day-night confusion and what actually helps. ](/baby/newborn-sleep-guide-first-12-weeks/)[ Baby ### Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline and How to Soothe It When babies start teething, the real signs (and myths), the order teeth appear, and safe ways to soothe sore gums — plus what teething doesn't cause. ](/baby/baby-teething-signs-and-soothing/)