Infant colic

Colic: what it is and signs and symptoms of colic

Which babies are most likely to have symptoms of colic? When do colic symptoms usually affect babies? Which times of day are babies most likely to be affected by colic?

What are the causes of colic?

What is known about the causes of colic? How does a baby’s personality and what they eat affect the chance of colic? Does parenting style affect a baby’s chance of getting colic?

How to treat colic

What are the aims of treatments for colic? What strategies can a parent use to soothe a baby with colic? Can changing what a baby eats help relieve the symptoms of colic? Do herbal remedies work to treat colic? Are they safe for babies?

Coping with colic

What should parents of a baby with colic do to look after themselves? What type of support is available to parents of babies with colic? How can planning a daily routine help a parent cope with a colicky baby? What should parents not do when their baby has colic?

How to settle a crying baby

What things should a parent check when their baby is crying and won’t settle? What works to settle a baby with colic? What things don’t help babies settle and what might harm them?

Resources and support services for infant colic

How can I get support to cope with an unsettled baby over the telephone? What parenting organisations or groups can I join to get support?

(Kindly reviewed by Annie McArdle RN, RM, CHN, Master Adv. Prac. (Healthcare Research); Clinical Midwife at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane with over 25 years’ experience in parent information and education.)