Human colic occurs in infants and is often regarded as a condition of inconsolable, frequent crying caused by abdominal pain or discomfort. If your baby has colic, he likely will be otherwise healthy but have times of intense crying. Consult your child's health-care provider if you suspect he has colic to rule out other potential medical problems and to discuss safe options for soothing your baby.
Symptoms
Colic causes inconsolable crying in infants, typically at night or in the late afternoon, says the University of Michigan Health System. You might notice that your baby clenches his fists or holds his breath while crying. Your baby might pull his legs up toward his abdomen, which might feel tight or hard, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The crying is often high-pitched and can sound like screaming.
Time Frame
Colic typically occurs in infants when they're between a few weeks old until about 5 months old, but it is most common in babies that are younger than 4 months old. Although crying is a normal occurrence in infants, your baby might have colic if the crying continues for more than three hours each day without any known cause such as a medical problem or neglect, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Causes
The true cause is unknown. Gastrointestinal pain from excessive gas, overfeeding or allergies to formulas containing cow's milk proteins could cause it. Sleep deprivation, over-stimulation or excess energy also could be culprits. If you're breastfeeding, your baby might be sensitive to certain foods that you're eating, such as caffeine, garlic, gas-causing vegetables like broccoli or cabbage, beans or dairy. Or, the colic might be caused by allowing your baby to nurse too briefly on each breast or low blood sugar levels in your baby from too-long time periods between feedings.
Treatments
Although no true cures for colic exist, the colic won't last forever and your baby will likely outgrow it in a few weeks or months. You can, however, help to soothe your baby in many ways. If your baby is formula-fed, you can try switching to a soy-based formula to counteract a possible a milk allergy. If you're breastfeeding, avoid consuming dairy, caffeine, broccoli, cabbage, garlic and beans. Give your baby a warm bath to soothe him, burp him after feedings and other times to get rid of gas, swaddle him and feed him on demand. Herbal remedies such as a combination of chamomile, fennel, licorice, lemon balm and vervain might help ease gastrointestinal cramps and spasms. No peer-reviewed medical studies support the use of these herbs for treating colic, so you must consult your child's physician before using any kind of herbal remedy.
Misconceptions
Giving your baby gas-relieving drops won't necessarily treat the colic. Nor will the use of heating blankets, rocking or vibrating seats, womb-simulation sound machines or anticholinergic medications, which might be dangerous. Also, not all colicky babies have gas or stomach pain. Keep in mind that sensitivity to stimulation or being over-tired can also cause colic.
Considerations
Even if you try every trick in the book, your baby might continue to be colicky. Remind yourself that your baby's colic isn't your fault---and it will go away. Also, keep in mind that the more anxious, nervous or agitated you become, the more your baby will cry. If you're feeling these emotions or are becoming angry, ask your family or friends to help so that you can rest and calm down.
