Baby Colic (Pait Dard): Causes, Soothing Tips and When to Worry

It is the same time every evening. Your baby is fed, changed and clean, yet starts to scream, pull up their knees and refuse to be settled. You walk the floor, rock, pat and try everything, and the crying carries on for hours. Baby colic (pait dard, baby ka raat ko rona) is exhausting for parents, but it is common, it is not your fault, and it does pass.

This guide explains what colic is, what may cause it, what soothing methods really help, what parents can use from the pharmacy, and the warning signs that mean it is not colic.

What is colic?

Colic means a healthy baby who cries a lot for no obvious reason. Doctors often use the rule of threes: crying for more than three hours a day, on more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. It usually begins at two to three weeks of age, peaks around six weeks and settles by three to four months. The crying often comes in the late afternoon or evening.

What causes it?

Nobody knows for sure. The main ideas are:

• Trapped wind (gas) from swallowing air during feeds or crying.
• An immature digestive system that is still learning to move milk along.
• Overstimulation, because a young baby can find a busy house tiring at the end of the day.
• Feeding problems: a poor latch, a fast milk flow, overfeeding or a bottle teat that lets in too much air.
• Milk protein or lactose sensitivity in a few babies. This is less common than people think and should be checked by a paediatrician before you change milk.
• Reflux, where milk comes back up and irritates the food pipe.

Ways to soothe a colicky baby

• Hold your baby upright and close, or carry them in a sling. Holding a baby cannot spoil them.
• Swaddle snugly with a light cotton cloth, leaving the hips free to move.
• Try gentle motion: rocking, swaying, a walk around the room or a drive in the car.
• Use soft, steady sound, such as a fan, humming or a low shushing noise.
• Hold your baby face down along your forearm, with the head supported, and rub the back gently.
• Massage the tummy clockwise and gently move the legs as if cycling.
• Burp during and after feeds, and keep the baby upright for twenty minutes afterwards.
• Give a warm bath if your baby finds it calming.
• Dim the lights and keep evenings quiet.

Feeding tips

• Check the latch if you breastfeed. A lactation consultant or your health visitor can help.
• If you bottle-feed, hold the bottle at an angle so the teat stays full of milk, and try an anti-colic teat such as the Shield Wide Neck Colic Nipple.
• Do not overfeed. A baby may cry for reasons other than hunger.
• Do not change formula brands again and again without advice.

Colic drops and remedies

The evidence for colic remedies is limited, and no drop works for every baby. Some parents find relief with them, and others see no change. Speak to your paediatrician before using any product, especially under three months of age.

• Simethicone-based drops such as Infacol Drops contain simethicone, which is meant to break up gas bubbles.
• Herbal and traditional colic drops such as Hamdard Naunehal Colic Drops, Colicare Drops, C Lix Colic Drop and Colic Aid Drop are widely used in Pakistan. Check the ingredients and age limit on the label.
• Lactase drops such as Ceero Drops are sometimes advised when lactose is suspected. Ask your doctor first.

Avoid home remedies that could harm a young baby: opium-based preparations, honey under twelve months, and anything with alcohol or added sugar. Explore our baby care range for feeding and care essentials.

When it might not be colic

See a doctor straight away if your baby has any of these:

• A fever, especially in a baby under three months. Treat this as urgent.
• Vomiting that is green or yellow-green, bloody, or forceful and repeated.
• Blood or mucus in the stool, or very loose or very hard stools.
• A swollen, hard belly.
• Poor feeding, weak sucking or weight loss.
• Unusual sleepiness, floppiness or a high-pitched cry that does not stop.
• A skin rash, or swelling in the groin.
• Crying that starts suddenly after a fall or injury.

If the diaper area is sore, read our guide to nappy rash. For fever in older babies and children, see fever in children.

Looking after yourself

Colic can leave parents worn out and tearful. Take turns with a partner or relative. If you feel yourself losing patience, put your baby down safely in the cot, step out of the room and take a few deep breaths. Never shake a baby. It can cause serious brain injury. It is fine to ask for help, and talking to your doctor or health visitor can lift a lot of worry.

Frequently asked questions

Will colic harm my baby?

No. Colicky babies feed, gain weight and grow normally. It is hard on parents but not harmful to the baby.

Is gripe water safe?

Products vary, and some contain sugar or alcohol. Ask your paediatrician and read the label. Do not use it for newborns without advice.

Does a mother’s diet cause colic?

Rarely. Do not cut foods out unless your doctor suggests it, because it can lower your own nutrition.

When will colic stop?

Most babies improve by three to four months, and almost always by six months.

Order baby care essentials from Khasmart, with delivery across Pakistan.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your paediatrician or pharmacist. It does not include dosage; always follow the directions on the pack or from your doctor.