Colic is a condition where a baby or infant cries repeatedly and without any noticeable or identifiable reason.

The infant often cries frequently and for long periods of time.

Crying often begins around 3 weeks following birth.

Crying will last until 3 or 4 months of age.

It will then stop very suddenly

More often seen in the following

  -    Bottle Fed babies
  -    Less common in Breast fed babies
  -    Age – between 3 weeks and 3 months

Causes:

  -    Remains unknown
  -    May be related to Temperament
  -    May be related to Enviornment
  -    Possible relation to Nervous System or Digestive System
  -    May be related to Melatonin production

The True Difficulty

   -    Lies often with the family
   -    Loss of sleep
   -    Increase of anxiety and depression
   -    Low self-esteem

***   -   Treatment groups for parents have been set up
Treatment

  -  No generally accepted treatment for colic

Medication

  -  Simethicone – for gas
  -  Probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri

Other Management Options

     -      Soothing
     -      Bouncing
     -      Rocking
     -      Pacifiers
     -      White noise
     -      Hold baby upright