Paediatrics, by video or in person
Colic and a Crying Baby
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Colic and a Crying Baby
- Long bouts of intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
- Crying that is hard to soothe
- Clenched fists, a red face, or legs drawn up to the tummy
- Arching the back while crying
- A baby who is otherwise well, feeding and gaining weight
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Colic is when a baby cries a lot and there is no obvious cause. It is diagnosed when a healthy baby cries for more than three hours a day, on three days a week, for at least a week. It usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and stops by three to four months. Babies with colic feed and grow normally. It is exhausting and worrying for parents, but it does not harm the baby. A baby whose crying is new, sounds different, or comes with other signs of illness should be checked by a doctor, because crying can also be a sign of an infection, a hernia or another problem.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Long bouts of intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
- Crying that is hard to soothe
- Clenched fists, a red face, or legs drawn up to the tummy
- Arching the back while crying
- A baby who is otherwise well, feeding and gaining weight
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now if your baby has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry that is different from usual; is floppy, very drowsy or hard to wake; is breathing fast or grunting; has a fit; vomits green fluid or vomits everything; has blood in the stool or a swollen tummy; or has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it; or if a baby under three months has a temperature of 38°C or more. See a doctor if the crying is new, your baby is not feeding well or gaining weight, the crying goes on past four months, nothing helps, or you are struggling to cope. A paediatrician by video can help you tell colic from illness.
Treatment options
- Holding and cuddling your baby while they cry
- Keeping your baby upright during feeds, and winding after feeds
- Gentle rocking, a warm bath, or steady background sound
- Carrying on with normal feeding: a breastfeeding mother does not need to change her diet
- No anti-colic drops, herbal mixtures or supplements, which the NHS does not recommend because there is no evidence they help
- An examination by a doctor if anything else seems wrong, to rule out other causes
- Help for the parents: rest, and family members taking turns
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is colic harmful to my baby?
No. Babies with colic are healthy, and feed and grow normally. It passes, usually by three to four months. If your baby is not feeding or gaining weight, or the cry sounds different, see a doctor.
What if I feel I cannot cope?
That is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Put your baby down safely in the cot, step away for a few minutes and ask someone to take over. Never shake a baby. Talk to a doctor if the crying is getting too much.
Can a paediatrician help with colic by video?
Yes. A paediatrician can take the history, watch your baby on camera, check for signs that something else is wrong, and give you a plan for the evenings, and tell you if your baby needs to be examined.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Colic. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.