What Is Colic

Cause - When babies cry without being hungry, overheated, too cold, in pain or sick, we call it colic. About 10% of babies have colic. No one is certain what causes colic, but it tends to occur in high-needs babies with a sensitive temperament. Colic is not the result of bad parenting, so don't blame yourself. Colic is also not due to excessive gas. Allergies to certain types of formula can cause crying but is not considered colic, that is usually associated with diarrhea or vomiting. Colic is not caused by abdominal pain. When babies cry they assume a flexed position and their stomach muscles feel hard because it's part of the crying mechanism. However, always remember, colic is a diagnosis of exclusion; in other words, the baby is totally healthy.

Expected Course - This fussy crying is harmless. It starts spontaneously, improves at two months and is gone by the third month of life. Although the crying can't be eliminated, the minutes of crying per day can be dramatically reduced with treatment. In the long run, these children tend to remain more sensitive and alert to their surroundings.