VHI’s Dr Bernadette Carr: Colic and difficulty sleeping

My baby is almost three months old and she cries every evening for about two hours and it can be difficult to soothe her. Could she have colic?

Colic affects up to three out of 10 babies and is one of the most distressing problems in infancy. It is usually presented as intermittent episodes of screaming, drawing up of legs and refusing to be comforted. There is no vomiting and the infant continues to thrive. Babies who are otherwise healthy cry repeatedly more than three hours/day for more than three days/week, usually in the evenings although some babies may cry throughout the day or night. In most babies, it has usually gone by the age of three to four months.

Despite a huge amount of research, the cause of colic is unknown, so it is not anything you are doing wrong. It is thought babies may have abnormal gut movement and abdominal pain or there is an alteration of gut microorganisms leading to changes in the bowel function and gas production. I would advise you bring your baby to your GP who can examine her and rule out any other condition that might be a reason for the crying.