Email: "What is colic?"
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Colic, which affects 20 percent of babies, is defined by its symptoms rather than a particular cause. A baby is described as having colic if he or she cries more than three hours a day at least three days a week. Colic usually is found in babies age 3 weeks to 3 months. Most colicky babies cry more in the late evening or at night. Generally speaking, after the third month the infant “miraculously” stops crying, giving parents some much needed relief.
CAUSES
Although theories abound as to the cause of colic, one main theme is that it has to do with the baby’s digestive system. This is supported by the fact that colicky babies typically pull their legs up as if experiencing abdominal cramps or pain. An infant’s digestive system may still be developing up to around 3 months old. However, some experts suggest that abdominal pain is the result of crying rather than the cause. When the baby cries, he or she most likely is swallowing air. Another theory is that colicky babies are intolerant of certain types of food, such as dairy. This may be the case if a baby cries more after feedings. Researchers now suggest that some babies suffer from reflux, a condition in which stomach acid is regurgitated, causing heartburn.

WHAT CAN YOU DO
While some parents have tried everything and still have a screaming baby on their hands, there are some tried-and-true methods of coping with colic.

1. The first thing you should do is check with your baby’s pediatrician to make sure there is no medical cause for your baby’s crying.

2. Keep a diary of when the baby cries, along with activities like feeding and napping. Look for patterns which may offer a clue to the solution.

3. Try an elimination diet if you are breast-feeding in case your baby is reacting to something you’ve eaten. Try eliminating dairy first. Other possible culprits are onions, cabbage and cauliflower.

4. If you are bottle-feeding, reduce the amount of air the baby gulps.

5. Give the baby a little water each day in case the discomfort is simply due to thirst.

6. Lessen the stimulation in the room. Bright lights, noise and lots of people can further distress a baby with colic.

7. Turn a fan on or some other type of “white noise.” Constant movements  are proven methods of getting colicky babies to sleep such as rocking or riding in a car.

8. Closeness to your body and skin-to-skin contact can be very soothing. Carry your baby close to your body in a sling and massage your baby every day.

9. Seek the help of a chiropractor. Chiropractic care has been shown to be helpful for infants with colic.

10. Try homeopathic remedies or herbal teas, but use these with caution and only when armed with lots of information.

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