English 
Spanish 
Russian 
German 
Infant colic is one of the most frequent consultations in pediatrics Gran Canaria during the first months of life. If your baby has episodes of intense baby crying, shrinks, squeezes his legs or seems to have abdominal pain, it is normal to wonder if it is colic in babies and when to go to the pediatrician.
In a private pediatric clinic in Telde or Las Palmas, many parents arrive worried because they do not know if what is happening is something temporary or requires assessment. Understanding what baby colic is, how long it can last and what signs should alert you is key to live this stage with more peace of mind.
What is infant colic?
Infant colic is an episode of intense crying, usually at the end of the day, in healthy, well-fed infants. They are not due to a serious illness, but can be very distressing for the family.
Colic in infants is characterized by:
- Inconsolable crying that comes on suddenly
- Infant who cramps the legs or squeezes the abdomen
- Reddened face and body tension
- Difficulty in calming down
In most cases, the baby is healthy and growing well. For this reason, assessment by a private pediatrician does not seek to “medicalize” the problem, but to confirm that everything is within expectations.
At Ginelux, both pediatrician Marta García Murcia and pediatrician Alberto Florido Rodriguez accompany families in Telde, Las Palmas and other areas of Gran Canaria in these first weeks of life.
How long does colic last in infants?
One of the most frequent doubts in pediatric consultations in Las Palmas and Telde is how long infant colic can last. Usually:
- They begin around the second or third week of life.
- Peak between sixth and eighth week
- Progressive improvement by three to four months of age
It is important to know that not all babies have colic and, when they appear, the intensity can vary greatly from one baby to another. In general, they are considered a self-limiting process, which means that they gradually disappear without leaving sequelae or affecting development. Knowing this typical evolution helps to reduce worry and to understand that, although the baby's crying is intense, it is usually a transitory stage.
Why does infant colic occur?
There is currently no single cause for colic in infants. It is considered to be the result of several combined factors typical of the first months of life.
Among the most widely accepted are:
- Immaturity of the digestive system, which is still adapting to feeding outside the uterus.
- The process of adaptation to the new environment after birth.
- Increased sensitivity to stimuli such as light, noise or changes in routine.
- The infant's difficulty in self-regulating when over-stimulated or uncomfortable.
It is essential to differentiate infant colic from other situations that do require medical evaluation, such as food intolerances, significant reflux or infections.
Therefore, if there is any doubt or if the crying pattern changes, an appointment with the pediatrician in Gran Canaria allows us to confirm that everything is within normality and to rule out other causes.
Practical recommendations to relieve colic
On Ginelux's Instagram profile, Dr. Marta Garcia shared a post titled “Baby colic, what can I do?” where she explains some useful guidelines that you can apply at home.
In this post, the pediatrician in Telde reminds us of something fundamental: keeping calm. Babies perceive the tension of the environment and a calm environment can help regulate them.
Some common recommendations include:
- Review feeding, whether the infant is breastfed or formula fed
- Gently massage the abdomen in a circular motion.
- Place the baby face down on the forearm (always under supervision).
- Reduce stimuli such as loud noises or intense lights.
These measures do not guarantee that the crying will disappear immediately, but they can reduce the intensity of the episodes.
Infant colic: common mistakes and when to consult a pediatrician
When a baby's crying goes on for days or weeks, it is normal for parents to look for quick solutions. However, not all decisions are helpful and some may generate more worry than necessary.
The following table summarizes the most common errors in infant colic and the signs that do require an evaluation by a pediatrician in Las Palmas or Telde.
| Frequent situation | Is it a mistake or a warning sign? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Changing milk several times without medical assessment | Frequent error | Before modifying the feeding, it is advisable to consult a private pediatrician to assess whether it is really necessary. |
| Administering remedies or products without indication | Frequent error | Not all products are suitable for all babies. Self-medication may generate unwanted effects. |
| Thinking that all crying is a serious disease | Frequent error | Colic in infants is common and usually transient. It is important to assess the baby's general condition. |
| Blaming yourself for not knowing how to soothe the baby | Frequent error | The baby's crying during colic does not mean that the parents are doing something wrong. Seeking professional support helps reduce anxiety. |
| Fever in a young infant | Warning signal | It requires medical evaluation, especially in the first months of life. |
| Persistent refusal of shots | Warning signal | It may indicate that it is not just infant colic. It is advisable to make an appointment with your pediatrician. |
| Repeated or projective vomiting | Warning signal | They should be evaluated to rule out other digestive causes. |
| Blood in stool | Warning signal | It should always be assessed by a professional. |
| Lack of weight gain | Warning signal | Growth monitoring is key to child health. |
In Gran Canaria, both in Telde and Las Palmas, it is important to differentiate between a typical episode of baby colic and a situation that requires medical review.
Infant colic usually occurs in infants who are otherwise healthy, eating well and gaining weight adequately. When the general condition is good and there are no associated symptoms, management is usually conservative and focused on accompanying the family.
However, if warning signs appear, it is not advisable to wait for the next scheduled check-up. An assessment in a private pediatrics allows you to rule out other causes and provide peace of mind with clear information. Knowing when to make an appointment with a pediatrician is an essential part of pediatric care in Gran Canaria and helps parents make more confident decisions.
How to differentiate colic from other causes of infant crying
A baby's cry is its main form of communication. It may be due to hunger, sleep, cold, heat, gas or simply a need for contact. Therefore, not all intense crying means that the baby has infant colic.
Colic in infants usually shows a specific pattern: episodes of intense crying that occur at the same time of day, usually in the afternoon or evening, in an otherwise healthy infant.
In a typical case of infant colic:
- The baby is feeding normally.
- Adequate weight gain in pediatric follow-up.
- No fever.
- No persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Between episodes, he is calm and reactive.
When crying is accompanied by changes in general condition, refusal of feedings, excessive sleepiness, fever or alterations in bowel movements, we are no longer talking about a typical colic pattern.
In these cases, it is important to assess when to go to the pediatrician to rule out other causes and confirm that the infant's health is adequate. A check-up allows differentiating between a transitory process and a situation that requires specific attention.
If at any time you notice that your baby's postures, prolonged crying or discomfort seem to affect his or her muscle tone or rest, it may also be helpful to know how the pediatric physical therapy can contribute to the overall well-being of the baby. You can read more about this approach and its benefits in our article on pediatric physiotherapy for infants in Las Palmas and Telde.
Pediatrician Las Palmas and pediatrician Telde: support in the first months of life
Choosing a pediatrician in Las Palmas or a pediatrician in Telde means looking for proximity, trust and availability. At Ginelux, Dr. Marta García Murcia and Dr. Alberto Florido Rodriguez work in coordination to offer follow-up care tailored to each family.
The goal is not to alarm, but to accompany. Confirming that infant colic is part of a normal process can alleviate much of the concern.
Pediatrics Gran Canaria: what you should know about colics
In the context of Gran Canaria pediatrics, colic in infants is one of the most common consultations in the first months of life. Knowing how to identify normal signs and those that require assessment helps to avoid unnecessary visits and, at the same time, not to delay the consultation when it is important.
Health education is key: understanding the baby's crying pattern, establishing routines and having professional support makes a difference.
Frequently asked questions about infant colic
What exactly is infant colic?
How long does colic last in infants?
How do I know if my baby has colic or something more serious?
What can I do to relieve my baby's colic?
When to go to the pediatrician if my baby has colic?
Do you need an appointment with a pediatrician in Las Palmas or Telde?
If your baby has colic in infants and you want an evaluation of a pediatrician in Gran Canaria, you can request an appointment with the pediatrician in Ginelux through our contact form.
