What Is Colic?

Colic is the term used when an otherwise healthy baby cries intensely and for long periods without an obvious reason.

Colic crying typically:

* Begins and ends without an obvious cause.
* Lasts for at least 3 hours a day.
* Happens on at least 3 days a week.
* Continues for at least 3 weeks.

Colic commonly starts in the first few weeks of life and usually improves by the time a baby is around 3 to 4 months old. ([HSE.ie][6])

Signs of Colic

During a colic episode, your baby may:

* Cry intensely and be difficult to comfort.
* Clench their fists.
* Draw their knees towards their tummy.
* Arch their back.
* Become red in the face.
* Pass wind.
* Cry more often in the late afternoon or evening.

Babies with colic are generally well between crying episodes and continue to feed and gain weight normally.

What Causes Colic?

The exact cause of colic is not known. It may be related to a baby’s immature digestive or nervous system or difficulty adjusting to the stimulation around them.

Colic does not mean you are doing anything wrong, and it is not caused by a lack of attention or affection.

Comforting a Baby With Colic

The same soothing techniques used for general crying may help:

* Hold your baby close.
* Use skin-to-skin contact.
* Gently rock or sway them.
* Reduce noise and bright lights.
* Wind your baby regularly.
* Keep your baby upright after feeds.
* Offer feeds according to their cues.
* Take your baby for a gentle walk.

There is no single treatment that works for every baby. Colic usually improves naturally with time.

Do not repeatedly change your baby’s formula unless advised by your GP or public health nurse.

Do not give your newborn herbal remedies, gripe water, supplements or medicines without first getting advice from a healthcare professional. The HSE advises against giving herbal extracts to babies under 2 years.