How many days does infantile colic last?

Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

Updated on May 15, 2025

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Intestinal colic is a very common symptom in children, with most experiencing it at some point. Generally, it begins two weeks after birth and peaks around one month of age, although some babies may only gradually improve between four to six months. For the prevention of intestinal colic, it's important to burp the child for ten minutes after each feeding. Between feedings, massaging the abdomen clockwise helps prevent bloating. If a child experiences intestinal colic, timely abdominal massage or using the "airplane hold" can alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Tong Peng

Pediatrics

48sec

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What to do about infantile colic?

If a baby experiences colic, it can often be alleviated through the following methods. First, abdominal massage can be used; parents can hold the baby and massage around the navel with both hands to improve gastrointestinal function and reduce rapid intestinal movements. Additionally, applying heat to the abdomen, using a hot water bottle or a warm towel, can also be effective. If the baby has bloating, using a soap stick or enema to help the baby expel gas can also relieve symptoms of abdominal pain. If these measures do not alleviate the baby's pain and discomfort, then it is necessary to visit the hospital for a pediatrician to perform a physical examination and assist with related imaging studies for differential diagnosis.

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Written by Wang Lin Zhong

Pediatrics

1min 1sec

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Do infantile colic attacks occur daily?

Intestinal colic is a common phenomenon, but generally does not occur every day. Babies with intestinal colic may exhibit symptoms such as paroxysmal crying, decreased appetite, and restless sleep at night. Intestinal colic typically occurs around 6 months of age, when the baby's gastrointestinal function is not yet fully developed. At this age, the baby begins to eat solid foods, and some of these foods are hard to digest, leading to gassiness. When a baby experiences intestinal gas, it can lead to intestinal colic. You can perform gas-relief exercises for the baby or massage the abdomen clockwise, which helps expel the gas from the intestines. Additionally, you can administer probiotics orally to adjust the gut flora. If the intestinal gassiness is significant, some medications can be taken orally to absorb the excess gas in the intestines and relieve the colic. Another method to try is holding the baby in an "airplane" position to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

50sec

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Symptoms of infantile colic

The symptoms of infant colic mainly occur at night as paroxysmal crying, commonly seen in babies from two weeks to three months old. A warm compress can be applied to the baby's belly centered around the navel, and clockwise abdominal massage can be performed for ten minutes, three times a day. If the baby is under six months old, the mother needs to pay attention to a light and easily digestible diet. If the baby is over six months old, their complementary foods should be given in small, frequent meals, and avoid overfeeding to prevent binge eating. It is important to focus on prevention usually, and after each feeding, make sure to pat the baby gently for about ten minutes and perform clockwise abdominal massages between feedings to prevent issues.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong

Pediatrics

51sec

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Is the baby's rumbling stomach intestinal colic?

A child's stomach making gurgling noises doesn't necessarily mean they have intestinal colic; it could be due to indigestion. The main symptom of intestinal colic is severe abdominal pain, which usually isn't accompanied by gurgling sounds. If a child does have intestinal colic, they may exhibit symptoms such as incessant crying and abdominal spasms, whereas gurgling sounds are typically caused by the incomplete development of the digestive tract in children, leading to gas formation as food moves through the intestines. If the child does not display symptoms like abdominal distension, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, treatment may not be necessary. However, if such symptoms are present, it could be due to conditions like enteritis or dysentery, and it is advisable for parents to take their child to a reputable hospital for an examination.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

39sec

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Full moon baby colic symptoms

Infant colic is the most common cause of abdominal pain in infants. It generally occurs most frequently in babies under three months old and is a common reason why babies cry and fuss, especially during the first month. Typically, babies suddenly start crying and becoming restless at night. This fussing is not directly related to hunger or illness and it's often difficult to soothe them. Sometimes, the baby's legs may contract, and the abdomen may also show contractions, along with symptoms of abdominal bloating. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen, particularly in a clockwise direction, can possibly alleviate the symptoms of abdominal pain.