Colic is long bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It affects up to 1 in 5 babies, usually starts at around 2 weeks old, peaks at about 6 weeks and is gone for most babies by 3 to 4 months. It isn’t caused by anything you did, and it doesn’t harm your baby, but it can be exhausting.

Signs of colic

Doctors often use the “rule of 3s”: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks, in a baby who is otherwise healthy and growing well. Colicky crying often:

• Happens at the same time each day, often late afternoon or evening
• Sounds intense, like screaming, and is hard to soothe
• Comes with a red face, clenched fists, arched back or legs pulled up to the tummy

What causes it?

No one knows for sure. Likely factors include an immature gut, swallowed air, sensitivity to stimulation and, in a small number of babies, cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux.

Soothing techniques that help

• Hold and rock your baby, or carry them in a sling
• White noise, such as a fan, a white-noise app or a gentle “shhh”
• Motion: a walk in the stroller or a drive in the car seat
• Swaddling in a light blanket, keeping the hips loose
• A warm bath, followed by a gentle tummy massage in clockwise circles. Some parents use a mild baby massage product such as Himalaya Baby Tummy Roll On; patch-test first and avoid broken skin.
• Feeding tips: burp often, keep baby more upright during feeds, and check the bottle teat flow isn’t too fast

What about remedies?

• Simethicone gas drops are safe, but studies haven’t shown they work better than a placebo.
• Probiotic drops (Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying time in breastfed babies. Ask your pediatrician.
• Diet changes: if your pediatrician suspects cow’s milk protein allergy, they may suggest a special formula or a dairy-free trial for a breastfeeding mother. Don’t switch formulas repeatedly without advice.
• Gripe water and herbal teas have little evidence. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old.

Look after yourself too

Hours of crying are hard on any parent. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s OK to put your baby down safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes. Ask a partner, friend or family member to take over. Never shake a baby. If you’re struggling, talk to your pediatrician or a helpline.

When to call a doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

• Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Vomits often, or the vomit is green, bloody or forceful
• Has blood in their stool, or diarrhea
• Isn’t feeding well, has fewer wet diapers or isn’t gaining weight
• Has a weak, high-pitched or unusual cry, or seems floppy or very sleepy
• Has crying that starts after 4 months, or follows a fall or injury

Call 911 if your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue, or can’t be woken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does colic last?

It usually peaks at around 6 weeks and stops by 3 to 4 months of age.

Is colic caused by gas?

Babies with colic often seem gassy, but gas is more likely a result of crying and swallowing air than the cause.

Can colic harm my baby?

No. Colic itself doesn’t cause lasting harm, but always check with a doctor to rule out other causes of crying.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.

Seeing pink in the sink after brushing is common, and it’s usually an early warning from your gums rather than something serious. The good news is that the most common cause, gingivitis, can usually be reversed within 2 weeks with better daily care.

Why do gums bleed?

• Gingivitis: plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and inflames the gums. Inflamed gums are red, puffy and bleed easily. This is by far the most common cause.
• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush
• Starting to floss, which can cause light bleeding for the first week or so
• Pregnancy, when hormone changes make gums more sensitive
• Medicines such as blood thinners and aspirin
• Smoking, which damages gums and also hides the bleeding, so gum disease can go unnoticed
• Less often: vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency, diabetes, or a blood disorder

What to do at home

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angled at 45 degrees towards the gumline. Gentle circles work better than scrubbing.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Toothpastes made for gum care, such as Himalaya Gum Care toothpaste or Himalaya Complete Care, are fine to use as long as you keep brushing well.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or small interdental brushes. Keep going even if your gums bleed at first. The bleeding usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums heal.
• Try an antiseptic mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils for a few weeks. Rinse with warm salt water if your gums feel sore.
• Stop smoking, which is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
• Eat well, with plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C, and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.

When it becomes gum disease

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and the bone holding the teeth in place is slowly lost. This can’t be reversed at home and can eventually loosen teeth. Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some periodontitis, often without knowing.

When to see a dentist

• Your gums still bleed after 2 weeks of good brushing and flossing
• Your gums are receding, or your teeth look longer or feel loose
• You have bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• You see pus, or have swelling or pain in the gums
• You’re pregnant or have diabetes, as gum problems need closer attention

See a doctor promptly if your gums bleed without brushing, or you also bruise easily, have nosebleeds, or feel unusually tired, as this can point to a blood or clotting problem.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No. Light bleeding when you start flossing is common and usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums get healthier.

Can bleeding gums heal on their own?

Gingivitis can reverse in about 2 weeks with good brushing and daily flossing, but it won’t improve without that daily care.

How often should I see a dentist?

Most people should have a check-up and professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist, doctor or pharmacist.