Infant colic is a common condition, affecting infants in their first months of life. However, it is not a serious medical condition and usually resolves by the age of 3-4 months.
Colic is usually recognised by bouts of inconsolable crying, often for hours at a time, for no specific reason. For example, your baby is not hungry, overtired, needs a nappy change or has a raised temperature.
Colic most commonly occurs in the late afternoon and evening when your baby may cry out in pain, draw her knees up to her chest and go red in the face. Her tummy may be swollen or bloated as if she's swallowed a lot of air, and she might pass wind more than usual.
A colicky baby can be very distressing for everyone in the house. Listening to long periods of crying can leave you feeling tired, stressed and emotionally drained.
Despite the intensity of your baby's cries, it is important to remember that colic is not a serious medical condition.
Inconsolable bouts of forceful crying with no apparent trigger
Baby draws knees up to chest
Swollen stomach
Cramping
Passes wind more than usual
May get worse in the evening
IMPORTANT
The following are NOT associated with colic:
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Raised Temperature (over 38°C/100°F)
If your baby experiences diarrhoea, vomiting or a raised temperature (over 38°C/100°F) or if you are uncertain whether your baby is suffering from colic, seek guidance from your doctor immediately.
"The Proportion of babies affected by infantile colic in their first six months: 28 per cent; age at which symptoms usually peak: 6 weeks"-John S. Croucher, Professor of Statistics, Maquarie University.
