If your baby is crying for hours, turning red in the face, arching their back, or clenching their fists—you’re probably asking the same question many new parents do:

“Is this colic… or is it just gas?”

Let’s break it down with compassion, evidence-based guidance, and a few doula-approved tips to help you survive this phase with your sanity intact.

😫 What Is Colic?

Colic is typically defined as inconsolable crying in a healthy baby for:

More than 3 hours a day More than 3 days a week For at least 3 weeks (This is called the “Rule of Threes”)

Colic tends to start around 2–3 weeks old and often peaks around 6 weeks, improving by 3–4 months.

But the truth is—colic isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a label for a cluster of symptoms when nothing else seems to explain the distress.

💨 Could It Be Gas Instead?

Gas discomfort is extremely common in newborns, especially in the first 8 weeks as their digestive systems mature.

Signs of gas-related discomfort:

Squirming, arching, clenching legs or fists Passing gas with relief Grimacing or straining after feeds Fussiness during or right after feeding Burping brings temporary calm

💡 If the crying comes in short waves and is relieved with burping, movement, or a bowel movement—it may be gas.

🤱 What Causes Colic or Gas?

Colic:

Baby’s immature nervous system Overstimulation Reflux Feeding issues (e.g. fast let-down, tongue tie) Possibly gut imbalance or food sensitivity

Gas:

Swallowing air during feeding Poor latch or bottle angle Not being burped properly Immature digestion Formula intolerance (in some cases)

🧘‍♀️ What You Can Do (Doula-Approved Tips)

1. Try the “5 S’s” (from Happiest Baby on the Block):

✅ Swaddle

✅ Side/stomach position (for holding only)

✅ Shush

✅ Swing

✅ Suck (pacifier, breast, finger)

2. Offer gas relief methods:

🍼 Burp frequently during and after feeds

🧴 Use paced bottle feeding for bottle-fed babies

🦶 Bicycle baby’s legs or do tummy massage

🫧 Try a warm bath or baby-wearing

💧Mylicon gas drops

🌊 Gripe Water

3. Calm your nervous system too:

Colic and gas can test your patience and heart.

If you’re feeling overstimulated or exhausted, it’s okay to step away for a moment, breathe, and reset.

4. Rule out reflux, allergies, or feeding issues:

Talk to your pediatrician if symptoms are persistent, especially if baby:

Isn’t gaining weight Vomits forcefully or often Has blood in stool Has hard stools or severe gas

🚩 When to Call the Pediatrician

Fever over 100.4°F Vomiting (not just spit-up) No wet diapers in 6+ hours Extreme lethargy or high-pitched crying Blood in stool or signs of pain

💛 Final Thought

Whether it’s colic, gas, or just a rough evening—it’s not your fault. You’re not doing anything wrong.

Your baby’s cries don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you have a tiny human adjusting to life outside the womb.

And you?

You deserve support, rest, and encouragement—every step of the way.

– Dawn

Certified Postpartum Doula

Compassionate Care Doula Services