Colic in babies is that dreaded phase where a perfectly healthy infant cries inconsolably for hours, often in the late evening, leaving parents feeling helpless and exhausted. While it is not a disease, it is a developmental milestone that usually peaks at 6 weeks and resolves by 3 to 4 months. By understanding the "Rule of Three"—crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks—you can identify if your little one is dealing with colic or just a fussy evening.

What exactly is Colic in Babies?

In the Indian context, we often call this "the witching hour" or relate it to pait mein gas. Clinically, colic in babies is defined as episodes of intense, loud, and rhythmic crying with no apparent cause. Unlike a normal hunger cry, a colicky cry sounds like the baby is in pain. You might notice their fists clenched, knees pulled up to the chest, and a red, flushed face.

While the exact cause remains a medical mystery, most paediatricians at institutions like AIIMS or those following IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines suggest it relates to an immature digestive system, overstimulation, or a temporary imbalance of gut bacteria. If you are worried your baby's crying is reaching a breaking point, our AI cry analyzer can help you differentiate between a "feed me" cry and a "my tummy hurts" cry.

Why babies cry at night: Is it Colic or something else?

Many Indian households have a Dadi or Nani who will immediately claim the baby has nazar or needs janam ghutti. However, understanding why babies cry at night requires looking at the biological clock.

Common Triggers for Night Crying

* Overtiredness: If a baby misses their nap window, their body produces cortisol, making it harder for them to fall asleep. This leads to the baby crying at night because they literally don't know how to switch off.

Digestive Wind: Swallowing air during breastfeeding (stanpaan*) or bottle feeding can cause painful bubbles.

* Sensory Overload: In loud, bustling Indian households with many relatives, a baby’s nervous system can get fried by evening.

* Hunger vs. Comfort: Sometimes the baby crying at night for no reason is simply seeking the comfort of the mother's scent during the postnatal period.

The Indian Parent’s Guide to Soothing Colic

Managing colic in babies in an Indian home often involves a mix of modern science and traditional wisdom. Here is what actually works according to paediatric standards:

1. The "Colic Carry" and Movement

The "Tiger on a Tree" hold—where the baby lies face down on your forearm with their head in your hand—presses gently on the abdomen, helping to release gas. Gentle rocking or rhythmic "shushing" mimics the sound of blood rushing through the placenta, which the baby heard for nine months.

2. Burping Techniques (The Dakaar)

Never skip the burp. Even if the baby falls asleep at the breast, keep them upright for 10-15 minutes. Use the "sitting burp" method (supporting the chin and chest) if the shoulder patting isn't working.

3. Tummy Massage and Hing Paste

A gentle clockwise massage using warm coconut oil can aid digestion. Many Indian moms swear by a tiny bit of Hing (asafoetida) mixed with warm water, applied externally around the navel (never fed to the baby). While clinical evidence is thin, the warmth and massage involved in the application often provide relief.

4. Diet Audit for the Breastfeeding Mom

During your postnatal recovery, you might be following a strict Pathyam (dietary discipline). While most babies aren't affected by what Mom eats, some are sensitive to excessive dairy or caffeine in the mother's diet. If you are struggling with your own nutrition while managing a colicky baby, check our postnatal wellness assessment to ensure you are getting the right nutrients to stay calm.

Decoding the Dunstan Sound Cues

Before the crying escalates to full-blown colic, babies often give vocal signals. Priscilla Dunstan’s research (widely used by Indian lactation consultants) identifies five basic sounds:

* "Neh": Hunger (tongue hitting the roof of the mouth).

* "Owh": Sleepy (yawn-like shape of the mouth).

* "Heh": Discomfort (skin irritation or cold).

* "Eair": Lower gas (this is the "colic" sound—distressed and deep).

* "Eh": Need to burp.

Listening for the "Eair" sound early can help you start the bicycle-leg exercises before the why do babies cry at night cycle begins.

Real talk from Indian moms

> "My son Arav would start screaming exactly at 6 PM. I felt like a failure. My Sasu Maa thought my milk wasn't enough, but my paediatrician confirmed it was just colic. We started using a white noise machine (mimicking a ceiling fan) and it was a lifesaver."

> — Sunita, Mumbai, Mom to 4-month-old

> "We spent thousands on different 'anti-colic' bottles, which cost about ₹800 each. Some helped, but honestly, the 'bicycling legs' exercise worked best. Don't let anyone give your baby ghutti—it's not safe for their tiny kidneys."

> — Megha, Bengaluru, Mom to 6-month-old

The Myths: Gripe Water and Ghuttis

In India, you will find "Gripe Water" in every local chemist shop for ₹50-₹150. Many older formulations contained alcohol or high sugar, which are not recommended by the IAP. Modern versions are mostly herbal extracts like dill oil and sarjika kshara. While generally safe, they are not a "cure" for colic in babies. Similarly, traditional Janma Ghutti should be avoided as it can contain unsterilized honey (risk of botulism) or heavy metals. Stick to drops prescribed by your doctor, like Simethicone, if the gas is severe.

When to call your paediatrician

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion. You must rule out other issues if you see these red flags:

* Fever: Any temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

* Projectile Vomiting: Not just a little "spit up" but forceful vomiting.

* Bloody Stools: Can indicate a milk protein allergy or intussusception.

* Poor Weight Gain: If the baby isn't following their baby growth chart trajectory.

* Bulging Fontanelle: The soft spot on the head looking swollen.

* Inconsolable Crying for >4 Hours: If the cry sounds shrill and different from the usual "colic" rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does colic in babies mean they are in pain?

It certainly looks like it, but most medical experts believe it is a result of a baby's hyper-reactive nervous system. The baby is "disorganized" rather than "diseased."

Why do babies cry at night even after being fed and changed?

This is often due to "sensory dumping." After a long day of sights and sounds, the baby’s brain needs to discharge energy. It’s their way of processing the day before falling into a deep sleep.

Why babies cry at night more than during the day?

Melatonin (the sleep hormone) levels are still stabilizing in infants. Also, environmental noise often drops at night, making internal sensations like gas feel more intense to the baby.

Can baby crying at night for no reason lead to long-term issues?

No. Studies show that colicky babies grow up to be just as healthy and well-adjusted as non-colicky babies. It is a temporary phase that tests parental patience, not a reflection of your parenting.

Is baby crying at night a sign of low milk supply?

Not necessarily. If your baby has 6-8 heavy wet nappies in 24 hours, they are getting enough milk. The evening fussiness is usually baby crying at night due to the evening dip in prolactin, which makes milk flow slower, sometimes frustrating the baby.

How long does the colic phase last?

The "Peak of Crying" usually happens at 6 weeks. By 12 weeks (3 months), most babies show significant improvement as their gut matures and they gain better head control.

It feels like forever when you are pacing the living room at 2 AM, but this too shall pass, and soon your baby will be flashing those gummy smiles that make you forget these long nights. You are doing a great job, and it’s okay to put the baby down in a safe crib for five minutes to breathe if the crying gets too loud.

---

Sources & further reading

• Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) - Colic Guidelines
• AIIMS - Infant Health and Nutrition Guidelines
• World Health Organization (WHO) - The First 1000 Days

---

Written by Dr. Anjali Mehta, MBBS, DCH (Paediatrics)

Reviewed by TheMamaCircle Editorial Team

Last updated: 21 September 2026

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult your paediatrician or obstetrician for your specific situation.