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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Baby Colic Quiz: Does My Baby Have Colic?

Quick, free colic or reflux quiz to help you spot the difference. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kristen Miller-StudentUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art baby face with question marks and milestone icons on coral background promoting free infant care and colic quiz

This baby colic quiz helps you spot common signs and tell them apart from normal crying or reflux. For deeper reading and simple soothing ideas, see does my baby have colic, or learn about feeding issues with is my child lactose intolerant. Use your results as a starting point to talk with a pediatrician if you have concerns.

At what age does colic most commonly begin in infants?
12 to 24 months
6 to 12 months
2 weeks to 3 months
Immediately at birth
Colic typically starts when a baby is around 2 weeks old and often peaks by 6 weeks, then generally improves by 3 to 4 months of age. It is unlikely to begin immediately at birth or after 6 months.
Colic crying episodes most commonly peak at what time of day?
Morning
Afternoon
Late night
Evening
Many babies with colic cry intensely in the late afternoon or evening, often between 5pm and midnight. This daily pattern is thought to relate to both the baby's developing nervous system and parental fatigue.
By what age do most infants outgrow colic?
12 months
6 months
9 months
3 months
Colic generally improves substantially by around 3 to 4 months of age. While some babies may cry longer, the classic colic pattern often resolves before 6 months.
Which of the following is a hallmark feature of colic?
Consistently low weight gain
Crying more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week
Intermittent fever above 100.4°F
Persistent green-colored stool
The 'rule of threes' defines colic as crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed infant. Weight gain, fever, and stool color are not primary criteria.
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with colic?
Clenched fists and drawn-up legs
Arching of the back during crying
Excessive, inconsolable crying
Vigorous, contented feeding
Babies with colic often arch their backs, clench fists, and cry inconsolably. Vigorous, contented feeding is actually a sign that the infant is comfortable and not experiencing colic discomfort.
Which soothing technique can help reduce colic crying?
Tightening all clothing layers
Swaddling
Giving caffeine drops
Playing loud rock music
Swaddling provides gentle pressure that can soothe some infants by mimicking the womb environment. Caffeine, loud noises, or overly tight clothing can actually increase discomfort and crying.
On average, colic episodes last at least how long per day according to diagnostic criteria?
4 hours
3 hours
1 hour
2 hours
The 'rule of threes' specifies crying for at least 3 hours per day. Less than 3 hours does not meet the standard definition of colic in a healthy infant.
Which feeding position may help prevent colic symptoms during bottle feeding?
Face-down on the lap
Semi-upright upright position
Head lower than body angle
Fully reclined flat
Feeding an infant in a semi-upright position helps reduce air swallowing and premature milk flow, both of which can worsen gas and colic. Lying flat or face-down can increase discomfort.
When should parents consult a pediatrician about a crying infant?
Crying only at night
Crying even when calm and content
Crying less than 3 hours a day
Crying accompanied by fever
Fever in a crying infant can signal infection or another medical issue requiring evaluation. Routine colic crying alone, without fever or illness signs, is usually benign.
Which dietary change might help reduce colic symptoms in breastfed babies?
Adding citrus fruits to mother's diet
Adding peanuts to mother's diet
Increasing mother's caffeine intake
Eliminating dairy from mother's diet
Some breastfed infants react to cow's milk proteins passed through breastmilk, so removing dairy from the mother's diet can improve colic symptoms. Other changes like adding caffeine or citrus are less supported.
Which over-the-counter medication is sometimes used to relieve gas in infants with colic?
Ranitidine
Simethicone
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent used to reduce gas bubbles and may ease discomfort in some infants, though evidence of its efficacy in colic is mixed. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are not recommended for colic.
Probiotics containing which strain have shown benefit in some colic studies?
Bacteroides fragilis
Lactobacillus reuteri
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Several randomized trials found that supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 can reduce crying time in exclusively breastfed infants with colic. Other strains lack similar evidence.
Which condition can mimic colic symptoms and should be ruled out first?
Ear infection
Teething
Normal growth spurts
Wet diaper
An ear infection can cause prolonged crying, irritability, and pulling at the ear. It's important to rule out infections or other medical issues before labeling crying as colic.
Colic crying often occurs even when a baby is:
In need of a diaper change
Overtired and ready to sleep
Hungry and needs feeding
Well-fed and otherwise healthy
Babies with colic typically cry intensely despite being well-fed, having a clean diaper, and being in a comfortable environment, which differentiates colic from hunger or discomfort.
Which milestone is usually unaffected by colic?
Crawling
Smiling socially
Teething
Adequate weight gain
Despite frequent crying, infants with colic generally continue to gain weight normally and hit other growth milestones. Motor and social milestones are typically on schedule.
Which formula change may help reduce colic in formula-fed infants?
Switching to soy milk
Switching to a hydrolyzed protein formula
Switching to whole cow's milk
Adding more iron
Hydrolyzed protein formulas partially break down proteins, making them easier to digest and potentially reducing gas and colic symptoms. Whole cow's milk and soy formulas are not recommended for young infants.
Which change in the infant gut microbiome has been linked to colic?
Increased bifidobacteria
Increased coliforms
Increased proteobacteria
Increased lactobacilli
Studies show that infants with colic often have an increased abundance of proteobacteria, which may promote gut inflammation and discomfort. Higher bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are generally considered beneficial.
The prevalence of colic in breastfed versus formula-fed infants is generally:
Similar between both groups
Almost nonexistent in breastfed infants
Higher in breastfed babies
Higher in formula-fed babies
Most large studies find a similar prevalence of colic in breastfed and formula-fed infants, indicating multiple factors beyond feeding type contribute to its development.
What do randomized trials generally conclude about simethicone's effectiveness for colic?
Significantly reduces crying time
Increases crying episodes
No significant benefit over placebo
Completely cures reflux-related colic
Clinical trials have shown that simethicone has no significant advantage over placebo in reducing overall crying time in colicky infants, although it may help relieve gas.
Which maternal dietary modification is most commonly trialed to address breastfed infant colic?
Eliminating dairy products
Eliminating citrus fruits
Eliminating caffeine
Eliminating gluten
Eliminating cow's milk protein from the maternal diet is the most widely studied change and can reduce colic symptoms in sensitive infants. Other eliminations like gluten or citrus are less commonly supported.
Which statement best describes the role of acid reflux in infant colic?
It is never present in colicky babies
It is the primary cause of colic
Reflux often coexists with colic
It prevents colic episodes
GERD or acid reflux can coexist with colic but is not the underlying cause in most cases. Many infants have both conditions, and treatment may address both separately.
What does current evidence say about chiropractic spinal manipulation for infant colic?
It is universally contraindicated
There is some limited evidence
There is no evidence at all
There is strong, conclusive evidence
A few small trials report modest improvements with chiropractic care, but the overall evidence is limited and inconsistent. Larger, well-designed studies are still needed.
Which environmental factor may worsen colic symptoms?
Dim lighting and quiet
Over-stimulation and noise
Consistent daily routine
Gentle rocking
An overstimulating environment with bright lights and loud noises can increase a colicky baby's distress, whereas calm, predictable settings may help soothe them.
What is thought to contribute to the circadian pattern of colic crying?
Growth hormone spikes
Diurnal oxygen changes
Melatonin production cycles
Peak cortisol levels
The evening peak in crying may be influenced by melatonin release and the infant's developing circadian rhythms, which affect gastrointestinal motility and stress responses.
Recent research suggests involvement of which physiological axis in infant colic pathogenesis?
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
Renin-angiotensin axis
Brain-gut axis
Sympathetic-adrenal axis
Emerging studies point to dysregulation of the brain - gut axis, involving bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, as a key factor in colic. This axis influences motility, sensitivity, and stress responses.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Colic Signs -

    Readers will learn to recognize common indicators of infant colic, including patterns of excessive crying and discomfort cues.

  2. Apply Soothing Techniques -

    Readers will explore proven methods for calming a fussy baby, from gentle motion and swaddling to feeding adjustments.

  3. Understand Feeding Fundamentals -

    Readers will grasp the basics of infant feeding, including hunger cues, appropriate frequency, and safe positioning.

  4. Recall Developmental Milestones -

    Readers will refresh their knowledge of key baby milestones, helping them track growth and early developmental stages confidently.

  5. Evaluate Infant Care Knowledge -

    Readers will test their overall understanding of baby care principles through targeted quiz questions and receive instant feedback.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Wessel's Rule of Threes -

    Colic is classically defined by crying that lasts more than three hours a day, occurs at least three days a week, for three consecutive weeks. Memorize "3-3-3" to ace the does my baby have colic quiz and recognize when fussiness crosses into colic territory. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

  2. The 5 S's Soothing Method -

    Dr. Harvey Karp's "5 S's" - swaddle, side/stomach hold, shush, swing, and suck - are proven to calm a crying infant within minutes. Practice each step during your baby trivia quiz prep to confidently recommend techniques that mimic the womb environment. (Source: The Happiest Baby on the Block)

  3. Feeding Patterns & Gas Relief -

    Understanding paced bottle feeding, frequent burping, and the judicious use of simethicone drops can reduce trapped gas, a common colic trigger. Use the "Feed, Burp, Breathe" mnemonic when reviewing infant care quiz questions on feeding basics. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

  4. Milestone Monitoring -

    Tracking key milestones - like social smiling by 2 months and rolling over by 4 - 5 months - helps distinguish normal fussiness from signs of developmental delay. Refer to the CDC's milestone checklist to sharpen your answers in any baby facts quiz. (Source: CDC)

  5. Red Flags & When to Seek Help -

    High”pitched crying, fever above 100.4°F, blood in stool, or poor weight gain are warning signs that require prompt medical evaluation. Keep the AAP's emergency red”flag list handy for new parent quiz scenarios where differentiation is critical. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

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