Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying. Is It Colic?
- Jul 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
When Your Baby Cries for Hours and You Are Left Wondering Why
You have fed, changed, rocked and soothed, but your baby continues to cry. The crying seems louder than usual, lasts for hours, and happens around the same time each day. You begin to wonder if something is wrong, or if you are missing something. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we understand the exhaustion and emotional strain colic can bring. We are here to support you with care that is calm, reassuring and thoughtful.
Colic is a common condition in young babies, usually appearing in the first few weeks of life. While it can be deeply distressing for parents, it is not dangerous and does not indicate a long-term issue. With understanding and support, this phase can become more manageable for both baby and caregiver.
What Is Colic
Colic refers to episodes of excessive crying in a healthy, well-fed infant. It typically begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age and often peaks at 6 to 8 weeks.
The classic pattern includes:
Crying for more than 3 hours a day
On more than 3 days a week
For more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy baby
Though the exact cause is unknown, possible contributing factors may include:
An immature digestive system
Sensitivity to stimulation
Gas or abdominal discomfort
Parental stress feeding into baby’s distress
Importantly, colic is not caused by something a parent is doing wrong. It is a developmental phase that will pass.
What You Might Notice
Every baby shows colic differently, but there are some common signs that help distinguish it from typical fussiness.
Prolonged Crying Bouts
Crying may start suddenly, often in the late afternoon or evening, and may last for long stretches despite attempts to soothe. The baby may clench their fists, arch their back, or pull their legs up.
Tummy Discomfort
You might notice gassiness, a bloated belly or frequent straining. Some babies may pass wind during or after crying episodes.
Short Relief Between Episodes
Your baby may seem content for parts of the day but suddenly become unsettled, even after feeding, burping or napping. The crying can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.
How We Support Your Baby at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we take a thorough and gentle approach to assessing colic. We listen closely to your experiences and concerns while ensuring your baby is growing well and free from other underlying conditions.
Your baby’s care may include:
A full history and physical examination to rule out causes like reflux or milk intolerance
Reassurance on normal newborn development and behaviour
Practical strategies to comfort and soothe your baby
Feeding advice if bottle or breastfeeding patterns may be contributing
Recommendations for routines, holding techniques and calming tools
Ongoing emotional support for parents navigating this intense stage
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu provide thoughtful, experience-backed care for both baby and parent, offering clarity when the days feel long and the nights feel even longer.
Supporting You Through a Challenging Season
Caring for a baby with colic can be exhausting and emotional. You may find yourself doubting your instincts or feeling overwhelmed by constant crying. At Joyful Seeds, we want you to know this: you are not alone, and you are doing better than you think.
We support parents as much as babies, offering not just answers, but encouragement. We help you build confidence and create a calm, nurturing space for your baby’s needs, even when things feel uncertain.
Let Us Walk With You Through This
If your baby cries for long periods and you are feeling unsure or drained, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we offer caring, expert support that helps you understand what your baby is experiencing and how to ease the discomfort. With kind guidance and practical care, we walk beside you through every stage.
