What is colic?
Colic is not a disease but a term that refers to unexplained pain thought to possibly be stomachaches in otherwise healthy young babies.
What are the symptoms of colic?
Babies with colic cry a lot — sometimes for hours without stopping — and are difficult to comfort. They are generally fussy and may appear to be in pain. They might arch their backs, clench their fists or pull their legs up to their tummies. In addition, the baby’s face might turn red after a long period of crying. Although the baby is fussy and cries, he or she continues to eat well and gain weight.
Bouts of colic can occur at any time, but they often occur in the late afternoon or early evening.
What causes colic?
The cause of colic is unknown. There are, however, several factors that may play a role, including:
- Increased family tension or parental stress (which can stress the baby, as well)
- Air swallowed while eating, crying or sucking
- Over-feeding or feeding too quickly (This might occur in bottle-fed babies if the hole in the nipple is too large.)
- Developmental adjustment
In addition, a condition called esophageal reflux may lead to pain and periods of excessive crying. Esophageal reflux occurs when stomach contents flow backward (reflux) into the esophagus, or food tube. The stomach acids can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing pain.
How common is colic?
Colic is a common problem, occurring in about one out of 10 infants. It occurs equally in baby boys and baby girls, and usually begins within 10 days to 3 weeks after birth.
How is colic diagnosed?
Your baby’s doctor can usually diagnose colic based on the pattern of symptoms. It will help the doctor if you keep a record of when the baby’s crying spells occur, when your baby sleeps, what your baby eats and how often, and your baby’s pattern of bowel movements.
The doctor may perform a physical exam to rule out a physical condition — such as esophageal reflux, an infection or an allergy — as the cause of the baby’s fussiness.
How is colic treated?
There is no cure for colic, but there are steps you can take to help soothe your baby. Try some or all of the following tips. You will learn which ones work for your baby and which do not.
- Change the baby’s position during feedings. Stop several times during feedings to burp the baby.
- Give your baby a warm bath or place a warm (not hot) water bottle on his or her tummy.
- Take the baby for a walk in a stroller or a ride in the car.
- Rock the baby in your arms, wrap the baby in a blanket or carry the baby in a snug carrier.
- Give your baby gently tummy massages.
- Put your baby in a wind-up swing.
- Softly sing to your baby or turn on soothing music.
- Consider trying a different formula if you bottle-feed. If you breast-feed, try changing your own diet by eliminating wheat products, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine or gas-producing vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage.
It also is very important that you take care of yourself. Ask family members or friends to help you so you don’t become exhausted or over-stressed.
Will a baby with colic get better?
Although a bout of colic can be frightening to watch, especially for first-time parents, colic is not harmful to the baby’s health. Babies with colic will eventually outgrow the condition, usually by the time they are 3 to 4 months old.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby stops gaining weight, shows dramatic changes in behavior or has any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Forceful vomiting (especially green in color or with blood in it)
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stools
Also, call the doctor right away if you think you and might hurt the baby.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/15/2006...#10823
