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What is infantile colic?

Infantile colic is described as excessive crying by an otherwise well baby. Colic involves periods of crying and irritability that are unexplained and at which time the baby is difficult to soothe. Colic is diagnosed when crying occurs for more than three hours per day, for three days per week, for three weeks.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of infantile colic?

Infantile colic can be recognized by symptoms including: prolonged crying when the baby is otherwise healthy; a clear beginning and end to the crying; crying in the late afternoon or early evening; bending of legs or clenching of fists; a bulging …

What causes infantile colic?

The cause of colic is largely unknown.

Who gets infantile colic?

Infantile colic is a common condition affecting about in every three babies. Both boys and girls can develop colic. Bottle-fed and breastfed babies both have colic.

How is infantile colic diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose infantile colic after they have conducted a physical examination of your baby and carried out any other tests required to rule out other causes of excessive crying.

How is infantile colic treated?

There are no specific treatments for colic, but there are management techniques to reduce your infant's crying and help parents cope. Your doctor may suggest that you try to ensure that your baby is not hungry, be gentle and avoid startling your baby, …

Can infantile colic be cured?

There is no cure for colic. It will generally clear on its own after your baby reaches about four months of age.

How common is infantile colic?

It is a very common condition that affects about one in three babies and usually affects babies that are 2-16 weeks old.

Can infantile colic be prevented?

Infantile colic cannot be prevented; it can occur in any baby.

Is infantile colic contagious?

Infantile colic is not contagious and will not pass from one baby to another.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 13 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 45 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Childhood immunizations

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