Crying for hours, and nothing works? It’s not your fault.

“If the crying does not stop, but intensifies and lasts throughout the day or night, it may be caused by colic. About one-fifth of all babies develop colic, usually between the second and fourth weeks. Colicky babies cry inconsolably, often screaming, extending or pulling up their legs, and passing gas.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“All babies cry, but your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy. ... They may cry more often in the afternoon and evening.” NHS

“Colic is the name for excessive and frequent crying in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy. ... A baby has colic if they cry: ... for more than 3 hours a day ... for more than 3 days a week ... for more than 3 weeks” HSE (Ireland)

“Colic is crying and fussing that: ... happens for at least 3 hours a day ... happens for at least 3 days in a 7-day period ... isn’t caused by illness or injury.” Raising Children Network

“'Colic' is a term that is no longer commonly used. It was previously used to describe an unsettled baby who cried for more than 3 hours at a time.” Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government)

“Generally, "colicky crying" stops by 3 to 4 months, but it can last until 6 months of age.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“Colic peaks at 4 to 6 weeks. Colic gets better after 2 months of age. Most often, it is gone by 3 months.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)

“Colic usually starts when a baby is 2 weeks old. It usually ends by 4 months of age. Sometimes it lasts until the baby is 6 months old.” HSE (Ireland)

“Babies often cry a lot during the first few weeks of life, with most crying happening around 6 to 8 weeks. It often stops by the time the baby is 4 months old, and by 6 months at the latest.” Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government)

“Unfortunately, there is no definite explanation for why this happens. Most often, colic means simply that the child is unusually sensitive to stimulation. They may not be able to "self-console" or regulate their nervous system (also known as an immature nervous system.)” American Academy of Pediatrics

“Colic: some babies are very hard to comfort. Some babies also cry a lot (over 3 hours per day). If growing normally and have a normal medical exam, the crying is called colic. Remind yourself that colic is due to your baby's temperament. It has nothing to do with your parenting or any medical disease.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)

“Many babies get colic. This is not your fault. You are not spoiling your baby and your baby is not rejecting you.” HSE (Ireland)

“But there are times when even the most caring parent or caregiver can’t soothe a crying baby. You might feel frustrated or overwhelmed, but it’s not your fault. It will get better.” Canadian Paediatric Society

“Not Due to Gas. Gas passing through normal intestines does not cause pain or crying. All crying babies pass lots of gas. Their stomachs also make lots of gassy noises. The gas comes from swallowed air. The gas is normal. It does not become trapped nor cause any pains. That's why burping a baby doesn't help the crying. Blaming gas is a myth.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)

“Although parents and caregivers may change their baby's position to burp them during and after feeding, there is no proof that it's helpful. It's also fair to say that burping does no harm.” Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government)

“Causes of colic may include any of the following: ... Pain from gas ... Hunger ... Overfeeding ... Baby cannot tolerate certain foods or certain proteins in breast milk or formula ... Sensitivity to certain stimuli ... Emotions such as fear, frustration, or even excitement ... Often the exact cause of colic is unknown.” MedlinePlus (NIH)

“There is no treatment for colic. Different things will help different babies. As you get to know your baby, you will learn what works for your family.” HSE (Ireland)

“hold or cuddle your baby when they're crying a lot ... sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air ... wind your baby after feeds ... gently rock your baby over your shoulder ... gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram ... bath your baby in a warm bath ... have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them” NHS

“Rock your baby, run the vacuum in the next room, or place them where they can hear the clothes dryer, a fan or a white-noise machine. Steady rhythmic motion and a calming sound may help them fall asleep. However, never place your child on top of the washer/dryer.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“Over-the-counter colic mixtures from pharmacies have no scientific basis. These mixtures aren’t recommended for colic because they don’t work and/or haven’t been thoroughly tested in young babies. They might be harmful for your baby.” Raising Children Network

“Talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter or “natural” products for colic. There is very little scientific evidence to show that these products help.” Canadian Paediatric Society

“Be careful about using complementary therapies like herbal remedies. These have not been proven to work and some have been shown to cause serious side effects.” HSE (Ireland)

“If no other adult is available to help, it's OK to lay the baby on their back in the crib or another safe place and leave the room for a few minutes.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“If you are getting upset, focus on calming yourself down. Parenting is hard work! It's ok to ask for help. Put the baby in a safe place and walk away to calm down. Continue to check on the baby every five to 10 minutes.” CDC

“If you feel like you are getting angry and might lose control, try the following: ... Take a deep breath and count to 10. ... Place your baby in a safe place, such as a crib or playpen without blankets and stuffed animals; leave the room and let your baby cry alone for about 10 to 15 minutes. ... If you have not calmed after 10 to 15 minutes, check on your baby but do not pick them up until you feel you have calmed down.” American Academy of Pediatrics

“If you have a co-parent or another adult in the home, talk about what each of you can do to take care of the baby and each other.” Canadian Paediatric Society

“Call NHS 111 or see a GP if: ... you're worried about your baby's crying ... your baby has colic and nothing seems to be working ... you're finding it hard to cope ... your baby is not growing or putting on weight as expected ... your baby still has symptoms of colic after 4 months of age” NHS

“Contact your baby's provider if your baby is: ... Crying a lot and you are unable to calm your baby ... 3 months old and still has colic ... Contact your baby's provider right away if: ... Your baby's behavior or crying pattern changes suddenly ... Your baby has a fever, forceful vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, or other stomach problems” MedlinePlus (NIH)