Colic in babies - What will happen?

Your baby should be over colic by the time they're 4 or 5 months old.

Babies with colic usually continue to eat well and gain weight normally.

If your baby has colic, you can feel depressed and exhausted.

Here are some things you can try to comfort your baby and help stop the crying. Bear in mind that we don't know if they work because there hasn't been any research.[1]

Hold your baby in an upright position, to help any wind to pass.
Try giving your baby a dummy (but some health professionals may not recommend using one).
If you're breastfeeding, allow your baby to finish one breast before you offer the second.
If you're breastfeeding, you could try avoiding eating or drinking things that may upset your baby, such as caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola and some other drinks), alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate or dairy products.
If you're bottle feeding, make sure that the hole in the teat is not too large. This is because you should avoid feeding your baby too quickly.

You can also try taking a break. Let friends or family help look after your baby.

References

Medline Plus. Colic and crying. Available at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000978.htm (accessed on 8 August 2007).

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.