If your baby continues to experience symptoms of colic despite non-pharmacological approaches, a thorough examination by your paediatrician may be necessary. After confirming that your baby is gaining weight appropriately according to the WHO growth centile charts and ruling out any underlying systemic pathology, your paediatrician might consider the following treatment for colic in babies:
1. Probiotics
2. Medications to relieve colic
3. Hydrolysed formula
Infantile colic is characterised by excessive crying, irritability or fussing in an otherwise healthy baby. The exact colic symptoms & causes are not fully understood, but theories point to immature digestion, trapped gas, or sensitivity to cow’s milk protein. Recognising these signs early and using evidence-based strategies can help ease your baby’s discomfort.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that may improve gut flora and reduce colic or fussing. They can be given directly to the infant or sometimes via the breastfeeding mother, making them an important colic remedy for breastfed babies.
• A recent meta-analysis found that probiotics (various strains including Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938) were associated with a reduction of about 51 minutes/day of crying on average (p = 0.001) in infants with colic.
• The benefit was more pronounced in exclusively breastfed infants (-74.3 min/day) than mixed-fed.
• However, when used for prevention (giving to healthy infants to prevent colic), the evidence is weaker. A Cochrane review concluded that probiotics “made little or no difference” to the occurrence of colic, though they may reduce crying time.
• Generally safe in healthy term infants, but consult your paediatrician for preterm or medically fragile babies.
• Not a guaranteed cure; should be used alongside soothing strategies and tips for colic relief, such as gentle rocking, swaddling or holding the baby upright after feeds.
• Monitor your baby for 1–2 weeks to assess improvement.
These include over-the-counter preparations such as colic drops, tummy roll-ons or rubs, often containing simethicone, carminatives or herbal formulations, designed to reduce gas and digestive discomfort. These are sometimes marketed as the best medicine for colic baby, though their effectiveness varies.
• A Cochrane review (2016) of 18 RCTs (1,014 infants) found that for simethicone vs placebo: “no evidence to support the use of simethicone as a pain-relieving agent for infantile colic”.
• Simethicone is widely used for gas/digestive discomfort in infants. Still, when it comes to colic (excessive crying/fussing in otherwise healthy infants), high-quality evidence does not support its routine use.
• Herbal or “colic aid” drops (e.g., fennel, chamomile) may help some infants, but quality and dosing vary. The evidence is insufficient per the current literature.
• Unlikely to cause any major harm when used as directed.
• Should not replace non-pharmacological measures such as swaddling, rocking, tummy time, or finding the best sleeping position for colic baby (often slightly inclined or on the left side when supervised).
• Always check the product label and consult your paediatrician before use.
• DO NOT USE THEM OVER THE COUNTER.
For formula-fed infants, a partially or extensively hydrolysed formula may be considered if cow’s milk protein intolerance is suspected. The proteins are broken down to reduce the risk of allergic reactions or digestive discomfort.
• Some studies show that infants with cow’s milk protein sensitivity experience less crying and fussing on hydrolysed formula.
• Effectiveness may be limited if the infant’s colic is not related to milk protein intolerance.
• Generally safe when prescribed by a paediatrician.
• Formula changes should be monitored for at least 1–2 weeks for improvement in symptoms.
• Should be used in conjunction with standard soothing strategies, not as the sole intervention.
• Try gentle rocking or white noise to calm your baby.
• Offer frequent burping during and after feeds.
• Use supervised tummy time to aid digestion.
• Experiment with feeding positions to reduce air swallowing.
• Maintain a calm environment — babies sense stress easily.
• Colic is usually benign and self-limiting, but persistent crying warrants a paediatric evaluation.
• Medical approaches are considered after ruling out underlying causes and ensuring proper growth.
• Combination approach (soothing + probiotics/medications/formula adjustments) is often most effective.
• Always consult your paediatrician before starting any new intervention.
There’s no instant cure, but a few tips for colic relief can make a big difference. Try holding your baby upright after feeds, gently rocking or swaddling them, offering a pacifier, or using white noise to soothe. Burping frequently and ensuring proper latching during breastfeeding also help reduce swallowed air. For breastfed babies, probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri (under medical guidance) may offer faster comfort. Always speak to your paediatrician before trying any new treatment for colic in babies.
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple way to identify colic symptoms & causes. It describes a baby who: • Cries for at least 3 hours a day, • On 3 or more days a week, • For at least 3 weeks. This helps differentiate normal crying from colic.
In most babies, colic does not change the appearance of stool. Typical colic poop looks normal — mustard-yellow and soft in breastfed infants, or tan/brown and more formed in formula-fed babies. However, if your baby’s stool shows mucus, blood, or becomes unusually green and frothy, it may indicate cow’s milk protein sensitivity or another digestive issue. In such cases, your paediatrician may assess for possible formula intolerance or discuss colic remedies for breastfed babies.
Certain factors can aggravate colic symptoms. Overfeeding, swallowing excess air while feeding, caffeine intake by breastfeeding mothers, or overstimulation (too much noise or light) can make crying bouts worse. For formula-fed babies, sensitivity to cow’s milk protein can also contribute. Avoid sudden changes in feeding routine and maintain calm surroundings. Finding the best sleeping position for colic baby — usually slightly upright or on the left side (when awake and supervised) — may help ease discomfort.
