What is infant colic?

Colic is an unexplained stomach pain which occurs in healthy young babies (between two weeks and 16 weeks of age).

What are the symptoms?

Babies who suffer from infant colic, cry and fret inconsolably for at least three hours at a time. They will clench their fists and draw their legs up to their tummies. The pain often occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. The attack may end with the passing of a bowel motion or gas, or the child may simply cry itself to sleep.

What is the cause of colic?

The cause of colic is unknown. Colic is not dangerous, although it can be frightening.

How can I help my baby?

The management of infant colic is very difficult. It often seems to be at its worst when parents are tired and overwrought themselves. There is no sure-fire cure for colic and most babies will outgrow it by 16 weeks. The following is a list of tips to help you and your baby cope with colic:

• if the baby is likely to require your undivided attention for several hours in the evening, plan to keep those hours free for him or her. At the time it may seem that it will never end, but feel confident in the knowledge that it will pass! Be creative, the rest of the family can eat tea and have baths at 3pm for a few months
• resist the temptation to find something on which to blame the colic. Colic has been a problem for babies (and parents) for many years, with no cure being found. There is no evidence that giving the baby herbal remedies will improve colic
• look after yourself. Eat a nourishing snack before an anticipated crying period. Above all else, maintain breast feeding on demand. Breast milk does not cause colic. If the baby seems worse after certain foods are eaten by the mother then it may be wise to exclude them. It is not necessary for the mother to change her diet otherwise
• if the baby is bottle fed, check the formula is made up correctly. Stop the baby once or twice during the feed to burp him or her. Discuss with your Plunket nurse or doctor whether you should change the brand of the formula you are using
• babies under four months old do not require solid foods. Introducing solids will not improve colic and may cause other health problems for your child
• buy or borrow a carrying device such as a front pack or sling in which to carry your baby. This allows you to get on with some activities
• colic is a painful and frightening experience for your baby. To reassure the baby, hold or carry him or her as much as you can. Play soothing music and keep the lights dimmed. Explain to any other children that the baby has a sore tummy and needs to have some quiet time. Handle the baby smoothly and speak quietly. A warm bath during this time may help
• ask for and accept all offers of help - caring for a baby with colic is not a one person job. Men can be especially helpful in soothing a colicky child. Often they have greater strength and can hold the baby for longer periods without tiring (especially since the mother may still be recovering from childbirth).

Written by Anna Mickell RCpN. Reviewed by everybody, February 2005.