Colic is a condition that affects almost 20 percent of babies. It starts in the first few weeks of life and usually goes away after three to four months. Colic involves at least three hours of nonstop crying per day. Unlike "normal" crying, the colicky baby's cry may sound like a high-pitched, nonstop painful cry or scream. In most cases, a baby suffering from colic will pull his or her legs up as if to indicate stomach or abdominal pain. Colic usually occurs at roughly the same time each day.

Caring for a newborn baby is a challenging experience in itself, and dealing with a colicky baby can sometimes make that challenge seem overwhelming. More than anything else, you want your baby to be comfortable and happy, so it can be upsetting when you're unable to soothe her. Remember to stay as calm as possible and to allow yourself to take breaks by letting your partner or a friend look after your baby for short periods of time. Dealing with a colicky baby can be a tough experience for any parent, but be reassured that colic is a common condition in babies and that typically, it goes away completely by the time your baby is three to four months old.

Why It Happens

Although the exact causes of colic are still unknown, it is believed to be a result of a baby's immature digestive system. An infant's digestive system contains very few of the stomach juices needed to break down food. This lack of digestive juices may result in painful gas in your infant's tummy. Talk to your pediatrician about using a gas relief medication. Other theories about the causes of colic suggest that the baby's nervous system simply tenses up, or that the baby is over stimulated. Babies who are exposed to smoke are also more likely to develop colic.

A Change of Diet

Some moms find that if they change their own diets (by eliminating cow's milk and other dairy products; spicy foods; wheat products; bran; "gassy" vegetables such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions and cauliflower; caffeine; and alcohol) their breastfed babies become less colicky. If you're bottle-feeding, talk to your pediatrician about switching your baby's formula.

Other Ways to Soothe

Some parents recommend gently patting or rubbing your baby's stomach, and rocking your baby. You may also try laying your baby tummy down across your knees and having a quiet time after feedings. It's helpful to remember that colic does no permanent damage and that babies who suffer from colic grow up as happy, healthy and normal as other children. What's important is to try to stay calm and patient, and to give your baby as much nurturing, soothing care as you can. If you have any questions about colic and your baby, talk to your baby's doctor.