What is it?
Colic is extended frantic crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. It's thought to affect between 10 and 25 percent of babies under 3 months of age. All infants cry more in the first three months of life than at any other time in their lives, but colic is different. Some doctors define it by the rule of threes: three hours of crying at a time, at least three times a week, for at least three weeks in a row – usually starting between the third and sixth week of life. The "colicky" episodes often come on suddenly in the evening hours. Many babies will cry intensely, unable to be soothed, clenching their fists and drawing up their legs. Every baby is different, but colic usually fades away by around 3 months.
What causes colic?
No one's sure. Some people theorize that it's due to a baby's immature digestive system or to food allergies. Others believe the cause may be a still-developing nervous system or a baby's temperament that allows him or her to be easily overstimulated. Although colic can make parents feel helpless and guilty, it's temporary – and it's not a sign of a long-term problem.
What can I do about colic?
Each baby is different and is comforted by different measures, so you may need to experiment with a few techniques to find what works best for your baby. Here are some suggestions: Try to create a calming environment that mimics what life was like in your uterus: snug, warm, and calming. Swaddle your baby firmly in a blanket. Rock him or her in your arms or in a rocking cradle. Try holding him or her in an upright position to help your baby pass some gas.
Some babies are soothed by loud repetitive sounds, such as a vacuum, dishwasher, clothes dryer, or "white noise" machine, all of which are probably reminiscent of the sound of your internal organs from the inside. Or combine sound and motion by taking a car ride. Other ideas: a warm bath, a warm hot-water bottle or towel placed on your baby's stomach (make sure the temperature is comfortable on the skin), or a pacifier. Some parents report that their baby's colicky symptoms improve with an over-the-counter medicine called simethicone, which may reduce intestinal gas.
Hearing your baby cry can be frustrating and exhausting. It's helpful to have someone who can take turns with you holding and pacing with your baby. If you have to set your baby in the crib or another safe place for a few minutes to use the bathroom (or to have a good cry yourself), rest assured that leaving him or her alone for a few minutes, even when crying, is not going to cause harm. Do let your doctor know if the cries sound shrieking and pained, if your baby has a fever, or if the colicky symptoms last beyond 3 months of age – as these may be signs of health problems.