Colic or Croupe: Know the Difference
If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably already learned that babies don’t come with a manual. When your little one is crying endlessly or suddenly develops a barking cough in the middle of the night, it can feel scary and overwhelming. Two common conditions that often confuse parents are colic and croup. While they can look similar at first—lots of tears, restless nights—they are actually very different. Knowing the difference can help you decide what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get help.
Is it colic or is it croupe? NightOwl Nursing is here to help you.
Colic: The Endless Crying That Won’t Stop
Colic usually shows up within the first few weeks of life and is marked by long, intense crying spells in an otherwise healthy baby.
What colic looks like:
Crying that lasts for hours at a time, often in the late afternoon or evening.
Your baby seems uncomfortable—clenched fists, arched back, pulling knees to the tummy.
No matter what you do—feeding, rocking, burping—the crying continues.
The good news? Colic isn’t harmful and usually goes away on its own by around three to four months. But that doesn’t make it any less exhausting. Taking breaks, leaning on your partner, or getting help from a postpartum night nurse can make all the difference during this tough stage.
Croup: The Barking Cough That Wakes You at Night
Croup, on the other hand, is caused by a viral infection that affects the airway. It’s more common in children six months and older but can show up in babies too.
What croup looks like:
A cough that sounds like a seal barking.
Hoarseness or noisy breathing (called stridor).
Symptoms that often get worse at night.
Sometimes a low-grade fever.
Croup often clears up with home care, like sitting in a steamy bathroom or using a cool-mist humidifier. Sometimes stepping outside into the cool night air can also ease symptoms. But if your baby is struggling to breathe, looks very tired, or their lips look bluish—head to the ER right away.
Quick Ways to Tell the Difference
Colic = crying spells without illness, mostly in young babies.
Croup = barking cough and possible breathing issues, often in slightly older babies.
Colic is stressful but not dangerous.
Croup can be mild but needs monitoring, and sometimes medical care.
You’re Not Alone
Whether it’s the long nights of colic or the sudden scare of croup, both can leave you feeling worn out and worried. That’s why support matters. At NightOwl Nursing, our postpartum night nurses are here to help—caring for your baby overnight so you can rest and recharge. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Disclaimer
This post is for information only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your baby’s health.
