Medicines for Colic

What it is

Colic is the term for frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussing in a baby who is otherwise healthy, well-fed and growing normally. It is very common, affecting many babies, and usually starts in the first few weeks of life. The crying often follows a pattern — occurring particularly in the late afternoon or evening, coming on for no obvious reason, and being hard to soothe — and the baby may draw their knees up, clench their fists, go red in the face, and seem to be in discomfort, which can be very distressing and exhausting for parents. Despite how it looks and sounds, colic is not a sign that anything is seriously wrong: by definition it occurs in a thriving, healthy baby, and it does not cause the baby any harm. The exact cause is not known, and various explanations (such as tummy discomfort, wind, or an immature digestive or nervous system) have been suggested, but none is proven. The most important and reassuring feature of colic is that it is self-limiting — it gets better on its own with time, usually improving by around three to four months of age. Because prolonged crying can occasionally have other causes, a baby with excessive crying should be checked to confirm they are well, but once colic is confirmed, understanding and support are the main needs.

How it is treated

Once it is confirmed that the baby is healthy and thriving (and other causes of excessive crying have been excluded), the management of colic centres on soothing strategies, support for parents, and reassurance that it is harmless and will pass. There is no single proven cure, but various soothing techniques may help and are worth trying: holding and gently rocking or moving the baby, holding them during crying, gentle motion (such as a walk or a ride), white noise or gentle sounds, a warm bath, gentle tummy massage or moving the legs, and winding the baby during and after feeds. Because there is no proven cause, feeding practices are checked (good positioning and winding), and, occasionally, if a cows' milk allergy is suspected as a contributor, a doctor may advise a trial of dietary change (in the baby or, if breastfeeding, the mother) — but changes should be guided by a professional, not assumed. Some remedies are marketed for colic, though evidence is limited. Crucially, support for parents is essential: colic is exhausting and stressful, and it is important that parents know it is not their fault, not caused by anything they are doing wrong, and that it will get better. If a parent feels overwhelmed, it is safe and important to put the baby down somewhere safe and take a short break, and to seek support — never shake a baby. The reassuring message is that colic is common, harmless and self-limiting, usually resolving by around three to four months, and that soothing strategies and, above all, support and reassurance for parents are the mainstays.