When Colic and Reflux Take Over: Understanding Infantile Colic and How to Find Relief
Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s greatest joys. But for many parents, this joy can quickly be overshadowed by the unexpected challenges of caring for a colicky baby. The relentless crying, fussiness, and discomfort can leave you feeling exhausted, helpless, and emotionally drained.
What is Infantile Colic?
Infantile colic refers to excessive crying, spilling (reflux), and irritability in an otherwise healthy baby. It typically starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and resolves by 3 to 4 months. While the exact cause of colic remains a mystery, promising research is shedding light on its potential origins. (1)
Colic often feels unexplainable—your baby is well-fed and healthy, yet their cries persist, often following a predictable pattern. Many babies cry more in the late afternoon or evening, which can feel overwhelming after a long day.
If you’re dealing with this, know that colic is not your fault. And you are not alone.
Colic is common, affecting 5–19% of infants regardless of gender. (2) It’s important to remember that nothing you did during pregnancy or childbirth caused this.
The Gut-Migraine Connection: A New Way to Look at Colic
You may have tried everything to soothe your baby—probiotics, antacids, dietary changes, or milk alternatives—yet the crying and reflux persist. But what if colic and reflux symptoms don’t originate solely from the gut? What if the root cause lies elsewhere?
Emerging research suggests a significant link between colic and migraines.
A 2013 study found that children with migraines were 6.6 times more likely to have had infantile colic. (3)
A 2022 study showed that children with migraines are twice as likely to have a history of recurring reflux.
This link explains why colicky babies often experience frequent milk spills or reflux, which can mistakenly point to gastrointestinal issues.
Dr. Inglart, writing in the European Journal of Pediatrics, explains:
"Gastric motility abnormalities are related to functional dyspepsia and migraine."
This means migraines in children often present as gut-related symptoms:
Colic in infants
Cyclic vomiting and unexplained abdominal pain in toddlers
In fact, the International Classification of Headache Disorders now recognises infantile colic and cyclic vomiting as conditions associated with migraine disorder. (4)
What Can You Do? Relief is Possible
If your baby’s colic feels untreatable, there’s hope. When colic is tied to migraines, treatment options become clearer and more targeted. Our clinic specialises in understanding and addressing these root causes, offering relief for both you and your baby.
Get in touch with us to learn about how we treat colic and reflux.
Book an appointment to start your journey toward calmer days and quieter nights.
Parenthood is full of challenges, but colic doesn’t have to overshadow these precious early months. Relief is closer than you think.