When your baby cries for long stretches, brings milk back up, or seems uncomfortable after feeds, it’s natural to wonder what’s going on. Parents often land on the same question: is it colic or reflux?
The tricky part is that colic and reflux can look similar, and some babies have a bit of both. This article breaks down the differences (and the overlap), what you can try at home, and when it’s time to speak with a health professional.
What is reflux?
Reflux is when milk moves back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. Many babies spit up small amounts (“possets”), especially in the early months, and it’s often more of a laundry problem than a health problem.
Some babies have what people call “silent reflux”. That means milk is still coming back up, but you don’t see much spit-up. Instead, you might notice signs of discomfort such as grimacing, gulping, wet burps, or unsettled behaviour after feeds.
Reflux symptoms often happen during feeds or soon after. Lying flat can make it feel worse for some babies, which is why you might notice fussiness when you put them down.
What is colic?
Colic is a term used for a pattern of excessive, hard-to-soothe crying in an otherwise well baby. It’s not a diagnosis of disease. Think of it more as a description of how the crying shows up.
Colic often:
- starts in the first few weeks
- peaks for many babies around 6–8 weeks
- gradually improves by around 3–4 months (although the timeline varies)
Some colicky babies seem windy or uncomfortable, and you may notice body cues like clenched fists, knees pulling up, or a tense tummy. If you’d like a clear checklist of signs, see signs your baby might have colic.
Colic vs reflux: key differences explained
Both can involve crying. Both can flare in the evenings. Both can leave you feeling like you’ve tried everything. The differences are often in the pattern and the timing.
Feature | Colic | Reflux (including “silent”) | What it means |
Core idea | A crying pattern | Milk back-flow irritation/discomfort | One is mainly behaviour; the other is digestive mechanics |
Typical timing | Often begins early; improves over months | Common in early months; many babies improve as they grow | Both usually get better with time |
Link to feeds | Crying may not be tied to feeds | Often worse during/after feeds | Ask: “Is this mainly a post-feed issue?” |
Spit-up | Not a defining feature | Spit-up is common (silent reflux may not spit up) | Visible possets point more toward reflux |
Body cues | Knees up, clenched fists, tense tummy | Arching, grimacing, gulping, wet burps | Arching can show up in both, so look at the whole picture |
Response to wind strategies | Can help some babies | Upright holds/burping often help | Either way, good burping is usually worth trying |
Sleep pattern | Often worse in late afternoon/evening | Discomfort when lying flat can disrupt settling | If put-down triggers crying, reflux may be part of it |
A quick note: witching hour (evening fussiness) can overlap with both. If your baby is mainly unsettled in the late afternoon or evening, the witching hour guide can help you make sense of that daily rhythm.
Common signs and overlap
Sometimes the easiest way to sort it out is to look at which signs are most consistent for your baby.
Signs that may lean more toward colic
- long crying stretches, especially later in the day
- hard to soothe even after feeding and cuddles
- knees drawing up to the tummy, clenched fists
- lots of wind, difficulty burping, a tight-looking tummy
- unsettled, on-and-off feeding without clear hunger
Signs that may lean more toward reflux
- frequent possets or milk coming back up
- wet burps or gulping after feeds
- discomfort that’s strongest during/after feeds
- fussiness when lying flat (especially soon after feeding)
- hiccups, a squeaky or hoarse cry (sometimes)
Signs that can happen with either
- crying after feeds
- unsettled sleep
- feeding that feels “stop-start”
- some improvement with burping and upright time
If you’re unsure, you’re not failing! You’re noticing your baby and trying to put the puzzle together.
Gentle techniques to try for colic or reflux
You don’t need to try everything at once. Pick two or three strategies and give them a fair go for a couple of days. Small changes add up.
Burp during and after feeds
Many babies swallow air while feeding, even with a great latch or a carefully paced bottle.
- pause mid-feed for a burp
- burp again at the end
- try more than one position (over the shoulder, sitting upright on your lap, tummy-down across your knees)
For step-by-step positions, see the best ways to burp a baby.
Upright time after feeds
For refluxy babies in particular, upright time can be useful.
- hold baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds (as practical)
- keep the cuddle calm and supported
- try a gentle walk if it helps you both settle
You’re not trying to “stop reflux” here. You’re simply helping milk stay down a little easier while baby’s digestion matures.
Feeding setup tweaks
If bottle feeding:
- try paced feeding
- check teat flow (too fast can increase swallowed air)
- take short pauses so baby can swallow and breathe calmly
If breastfeeding:
- consider a latch/position check if feeds are unsettled
- if you suspect a fast let-down, brief breaks and more upright positions can sometimes help
Wind relief between feeds
If your baby seems gassy, try gentle, between-feed comfort options:
- clockwise tummy massage with warm hands
- bicycle legs
- knees gently toward tummy (slow and soft, never forced)
A practical guide is here: relieve trapped wind.
Calm the evening environment
Even when reflux or colic is part of the picture, stimulation often makes crying worse.
- dim lights in late afternoon
- keep the room quieter
- use white noise at a low, steady volume
- aim for a simple wind-down rhythm (feed, burp, cuddle, bed)
Is it gas/wind, colic, or reflux?
Some parents find a simple “most likely” check helpful. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can guide what to try first.
- Mostly after feeds, plus spit-up/wet burps: reflux-leaning
- Long evening crying stretches, otherwise well: colic-leaning
- Tense tummy, lots of burps/wind, some relief after burping: wind/gas-leaning
- A mix of all three: also common
Babies are allowed to be complicated.
Comfort tweaks you can try today
These are small, practical changes that don’t require special gear.
- keep waistbands and nappies comfortably fitted (not tight)
- avoid lots of bouncing right after feeds if it worsens spit-up
- offer a calm upright cuddle before putting baby down
- aim for shorter, more frequent feeds if your baby naturally prefers that pattern
- if you’re using a dummy, it can be a useful “reset” for some babies (and not for others)
If something seems to make symptoms worse, you’re allowed to stop and reassess.
Could it be allergy or intolerance (CMPI/CMPA)?
Sometimes gut discomfort is linked to sensitivity or allergy, such as cow’s milk protein intolerance/allergy. You don’t need to self-diagnose, but it’s worth knowing the common flags:
- blood or mucus in stools
- widespread eczema or persistent rash
- poor weight gain or feeding struggles that don’t settle
- ongoing distress with most feeds
If these are present, speak with a GP or child health nurse. You may also find this helpful: CMPI & gut pain.
When to seek medical advice
Please seek medical advice promptly if your baby has:
- fever
- green (bilious) vomiting
- repeated projectile vomiting
- persistent blood or mucus in stools
- fewer wet nappies than expected (or a sudden drop), especially after day 5
- poor feeding, poor weight gain, or signs of dehydration
- very lethargic behaviour or a baby who seems unwell
- breathing difficulty or severe distress
And even without a “red flag”, it’s okay to book a check if you’re worried. You know your baby best.
For product questions, you can contact us. Please note that we do not provide medical advice. For the aforementioned signs, please contact your healthcare provider.
Gentle support from Infants’ Friend
Some families use Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid, with chamomile, lemon balm and dill seed oil, which are all ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind/gas pain, mild indigestion and disturbed/restless sleep in babies. It is alcohol-free, sugar-free, and suitable from birth when used as directed.
Explore: Colic & Wind Oral Liquid
FAQs
Are colic and reflux the same thing?
No. Colic describes a pattern of excessive crying, while reflux involves milk moving back up from the stomach. They can overlap, but they aren’t the same.
How do I tell if it’s reflux or colic?
Reflux is often most obvious during or after feeds (with spit-up, wet burps, gulping, or discomfort lying flat). Colic is usually longer crying periods that can happen even when feeding and settling needs have been met.
What is silent reflux—and how is it different from colic?
Silent reflux is reflux without obvious spit-up. Baby may still show discomfort after feeds. Colic is primarily a crying pattern rather than a “milk coming back up” issue.
Can colic come from reflux (or vice versa)?
They can influence each other. A baby who is uncomfortable after feeds may cry more, and a baby who cries a lot may swallow more air. If symptoms are persistent, it’s worth discussing with a health professional.
What helps a refluxy baby after feeds?
Burping, paced feeds, and upright time after feeds can help comfort some babies. If reflux symptoms are severe, a GP can guide next steps.
When will colic or reflux improve?
Many babies improve over time as their digestion and sleep mature. The timeline varies. If you’re concerned about growth, feeding, or your baby’s wellbeing, seek advice.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice any red flags (fever, green vomit, blood in stool, poor feeding/weight gain, dehydration signs, extreme lethargy), or if your instincts say something isn’t right.
Final thoughts
If you’re trying to figure out colic vs reflux, you’re already doing the right thing: paying attention, looking for patterns, and seeking support. Most babies improve as their digestive system matures. In the meantime, steady, gentle strategies—burping well, upright cuddles, wind relief and calmer evenings—can make the days feel more manageable.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.