Fussy Baby or Something More? Understanding Colic, Reflux and Tummy Pain

Sep 11
4 min read

Crying baby wearing a pink headband is held by an adult's hands. The baby is dressed in a white outfit. The mood is distressed.

Every parent expects some crying, but when your baby cries for hours, refuses to feed comfortably, or seems unsettled for reasons you cannot pinpoint, it can leave you feeling concerned, tired, and in need of answers.

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu help parents navigate these moments with clarity and calm. Many cases of fussiness are caused by common conditions such as baby stomach pain, colic, or reflux. Knowing the differences, how to soothe your baby at home, and when to seek professional support can make all the difference.

It is Not Just Crying. Understanding Why Babies Get Unsettled

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating, especially in the first months of life. But prolonged, intense, or unusually patterned crying may point towards digestive discomfort.

Three of the most frequent causes we see in our clinic are:

Colic
Intense crying episodes in otherwise healthy babies
Reflux
Where milk or stomach contents travel back up the food pipe, sometimes causing pain or feeding problems
Baby stomach pain
Caused by trapped wind, constipation, or mild digestive sensitivities

While these issues can be distressing for both baby and parent, they are usually temporary and can be eased with the right approach.

Colic. When Crying Feels Endless

Colic is characterised by long bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. It usually begins in the first few weeks after birth and improves by three to four months of age.

Signs that your baby may have colic include:

Crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week
Episodes that often start at the same time each day, especially in the late afternoon or evening
Crying that is high-pitched or intense, and difficult to soothe
Pulling knees towards the chest, clenching fists, or arching the back during crying spells

The exact cause of colic is still unknown, but theories include digestive immaturity, trapped gas, or increased sensitivity to changes in the environment.

Reflux. More Than Just Spitting Up

Reflux happens when milk or stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus. This is common in young babies, as the muscle at the base of the oesophagus is still developing.

Common signs of reflux may include:

Frequent spitting up or vomiting after feeds
Fussiness during or after feeding
Arching the back or turning away from the bottle or breast
Hiccups or frequent coughing

Most babies outgrow reflux as their digestive systems mature, typically by their first birthday. In some cases, reflux can cause more significant feeding problems or poor weight gain, which is why monitoring is important.

Baby Stomach Pain. The Other Common Culprits

Not all tummy troubles are due to colic or reflux. Baby stomach pain can be triggered by:

Gas or wind Trapped air in the digestive tract can lead to bloating and discomfort
Constipation More common in formula-fed babies or during transitions between feeding types
Food sensitivities In rare cases, reactions to proteins in breast milk or formula may cause discomfort
Viral infections Though less common in very young infants, these can cause tummy pain along with other symptoms such as diarrhoea or fever

Understanding what is causing your baby’s distress is key to finding the right soothing methods.

Calming a Fussy Baby. Gentle Ways to Help at Home

Parents can do a great deal to help comfort a baby with colic, reflux, or baby stomach pain. Small adjustments can make a big difference:

Keep your baby upright during and after feeds to minimise reflux episodes
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds to avoid overfilling the stomach
Burp your baby midway and after feeds to release trapped air
Provide gentle rocking or swaddling for comfort
Give a warm bath to help your baby relax
Try gentle tummy massage in a clockwise direction to encourage digestion
Maintain a calm, dimly lit environment to reduce overstimulation

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we tailor these tips to each family, helping parents find a routine that works for their baby’s needs.

When Crying Means It’s Time to Call the Doctor

While most cases of colic, reflux, and baby stomach pain are harmless, some signs suggest a need for prompt medical attention:

Persistent vomiting, especially if green or blood-stained
Refusing feeds or feeding very poorly
Poor weight gain or weight loss
Fever, diarrhoea, or other signs of illness
Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking your baby
Crying sounds different. high-pitched, weak, or continuous without relief

If you are unsure, it is always better to have your baby checked. Early reassurance and advice can relieve a lot of parental stress.

How Joyful Seeds Supports Parents Through These Challenges

At Joyful Seeds Paediatrics & Developmental Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu provide thorough assessments for babies experiencing feeding difficulties or unexplained fussiness. We listen to your concerns, observe your baby, and explain what we find in clear, reassuring language.

Whether the cause is colic, reflux, or another source of baby stomach pain, we create a care plan that is safe, practical, and tailored to your baby. Sometimes all that is needed is reassurance and guidance; in other cases, further investigations or specific treatments may help.

How Joyful Seeds Can Help

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu assess babies with persistent crying, feeding issues, or tummy discomfort. We help identify the cause and guide you on practical next steps, whether that’s home care or further review.