Infant Colic

Overview

Infant colic is a general term for unexplained prolonged crying in infants, in which the baby cries for extended periods with a pained expression, sometimes with abdominal distension. It is often defined as crying more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy infant, typically occurring in the evening. It generally causes no long-term problems and usually subsides by about six months of age.

Symptoms

• Episodic crying
• Difficult to soothe
• Legs drawn up
• Facial flushing
• Abdominal distension

Treatment

Focus on soothing and relieving gas, such as gently massaging the abdomen and holding the baby in a face-down position; seek care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Dietary advice

For breastfed infants, the mother should avoid gas-producing and irritating foods, and burp the baby after feeding to release gas.