The main symptom to look for is uncontrollable and inconsolable crying for long periods. The intensity and intervals of crying will vary from baby to baby. Colic also normally comes in a series of 'attacks'. When a bout seems to end and the baby is calming down, the next bout starts again suddenly and the baby will start crying uncontrollably again. This normally continues until the baby finally settles down and is tired enough to fall asleep.

When the baby cries, the baby will normally curl up and draw their hands and feet inwards. Sometimes, this is alternated with the baby stretching his hands and feet outward. The small hands and feet are normally cold and clenched. As the baby cries, the baby normally turns red in the face (which is normal when someone screams) and passes wind. It is quite obvious that these symptoms are usually associated with that of someone in pain. However, it should be noted that it is generally believed by the medical faculty that colic is not caused by pain nor does it cause pain to the baby.

The crying bouts can come at anytime of the day but it is generally observed that it is much more common in the evenings. Since the crying bouts are stretched over a long period of time, it disrupts the sleeping and feeding patterns of the baby. As such, it is quite common to observe that babies with colic takes longer time to finish their meals; and have difficulty falling and staying asleep.