Colic is quite common - but no one knows for sure exactly what it is. Parents say it's repeated crying in a young, healthy, normally developing baby which seems unrelated to pain or hunger.

Cry baby, why baby?

Some health professionals do not accept that colic exists but many parents have no doubts! Typically, colic starts in the first month, and goes on until your baby is three months or so. It's not known why some babies are affected more than others, or why it sometimes suddenly disappears. It could be to do with immaturity of the gut, and as the baby's digestion matures, they become more able to tolerate the sensations of digestion. Or it may be bubbles of trapped wind, causing discomfort.

Possible signs of colic

it occurs in babies under four months of age
it's usually worse in the evening after feeding and is often highlighted by high-pitched screaming
your baby draws up his legs, and his tummy may feel hard or rumbly

Possible ways to help relieve colic

Massage - apply gentle pressure on the tummy: for example, hold your baby across the crook of your arm or face down over your knees, or upright over your shoulder. Rub your baby's back and/or tummy. See our feature on Massage for more tips.

Warmth - applied on the tummy, such as a gently heated hot-water bottle or a warm bath.

Diet - if breastfeeding, think about your diet to see whether particular foods you eat seem to make colic worse.

Teats - if bottlefeeding, try anti-colic teats.

Formula - if formula feeding ask about different brands, including formulas for unsettled, hungry or lactose-intolerant babies.

Sucking - offer your baby a sucking opportunity on breast, bottle or dummy to give them comfort.

Preparations - always check with your doctor or health professional before giving your baby ANY medications. Various over-the-counter preparations may help, such as herbal drinks, homeopathic drops,gripe water and baby colic medications.

Cranial osteopathy - very gentle manipulation of the bones of the head by a qualified practitioner.

'Colic dance' - while hugging your baby (some prefer to be held slightly away from your body to have eye contact) gently sway with your knees bent, alternating back and forward, side to side and up and down. Some babies like a low humming sound at the same time.

Comfort - see our feature on Crying and comforting for tips.

If your baby is 'colic-y' in the evenings, make sure lunch is your main meal of the day and your main source of protein and energy. You'll need to keep your strength up! Many parents find the stress of a 'colic-y' baby becomes too much. Ensure you have support and are able to take a break. Try to share the crying times. You could also ask your health visitor if there are any local support groups for parents of crying babies.
If crying ever becomes more than you feel you can stand, pass the baby to someone else, or if you're alone, put him down safely in a cot or pram and go into another room where you can't hear the crying, so that you can calm down before trying again.