How Long Does Colic Last? When It Peaks and When It Gets Better

If your baby cries for hours every evening and you are counting the days until it stops, here is the short answer: colic usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks near 6 weeks, and improves for most babies by 3 to 4 months. Below is what that timeline looks like, why evenings are hardest, and when to call your pediatrician.

How long does colic last?

Colic typically lasts about 3 to 4 months in total. It usually begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks near 6 weeks, and fades for most babies by 3 to 4 months. A smaller number of babies stay fussy until about 6 months. Every baby follows their own curve.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Mayo Clinic describe the same pattern: colic is common, it is temporary, and it does not harm your baby's growth or long-term health. Knowing there is an end date does not make a 6 pm crying spell easier, but it helps many parents hold on.

When does colic peak, and which week is the worst?

Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks of age. Crying often feels most intense in the weeks surrounding that mark, then eases gradually rather than stopping overnight. Many parents notice the long evening stretches getting shorter by 8 to 10 weeks, which is a good sign things are turning.

Improvement tends to be uneven. A calm Tuesday can be followed by a rough Wednesday, so look at the trend across a week or two instead of one evening. If the crying is getting longer after 8 to 10 weeks instead of shorter, mention it to your pediatrician.

How do you know it is colic and not something else?

Doctors often describe colic with the rule of three: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. Only your pediatrician can confirm it, because other causes of crying can look similar.

Reflux, a feeding issue or a cow's milk protein allergy can all mimic colic. Our guide on telling colic from a milk allergy explains the clues to watch for, and our post on gassy babies covers the gas side of the story.

Why is colic worse in the evening?

Colic crying tends to cluster in the late afternoon and evening, and researchers do not know exactly why. Likely contributors include a young nervous system that becomes overstimulated by the end of the day, tiredness, and a developing digestive system. It is common, and it is not a sign of poor parenting.

If evenings are your hardest hours, our explainer on the evening witching hour goes deeper on why babies unravel at the same time every day and what can make that window gentler.

What can help while you wait it out?

Soothing basics help many families: swaddling, a gentle sway, white noise, a warm cuddle after feeds, and burping often. Holding bottle-fed babies more upright and slowing the feed can also help. These steps do not shorten colic, but they can make long evenings easier. Take breaks when you need them.

Many parents also ask their pediatrician about gentle herbal blends. The AAP notes that evidence for herbal remedies in colic is limited, so check your baby's age and suitability first. If your pediatrician approves, a gentle option many parents rely on is Babies' Magic Tea, an organic blend of chamomile, fennel and cumin traditionally valued for digestive comfort. Baby Catnip Tea is another traditional choice. We cover safety and amounts in our guides to catnip tea for babies and chamomile tea for newborns.

For more ideas, see our baby colic relief page, the New Parent Guide and the Natural Wellness Guide. If you also use gripe water, read whether gripe water and gas drops can be given together.

When should you see a professional?

Call your pediatrician right away if your baby is under 3 months with a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, vomits green or bloody fluid, has blood in the stool, refuses feeds, seems limp, or is not gaining weight. Also call if crying starts suddenly after weeks of calm, or if you feel overwhelmed.

Colic is exhausting, and it is okay to ask for help. If you feel yourself reaching a breaking point, place your baby safely in the crib, step away for a few minutes, and call someone you trust. Never shake a baby. The NHS and AAP both encourage parents to seek support early.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.