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This article is about baby colic. For other types of colic, see Colic.

Baby colic (also known as infantile colic) is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day for more than three days a week for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child between the ages of two weeks and four months.[1] The cause of the colic is generally unknown.[2] Fewer than 5% of infants with excess crying have an underlying organic disease.[2]

Crying associated with a baby's colic can cause relationship stress, breastfeeding failure, postpartum depression, excess visits to the doctor, and child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome.[3]

It is present in 5–25% of infants. Treatment is generally conservative with little to no role for medications, either conventional or alternative. It often disappears when the baby is three to four months old, but can last up to one year.[4] There are no long term problems associated with the condition.

Signs and symptoms

Colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week for a three week duration in an otherwise healthy child between the ages of two weeks and four months.[1] By contrast, infants normally cry an average of just over two hours a day, with the duration peaking at six weeks.[2] With colic, periods of crying most commonly happen in the evening and for no obvious reason.[1] Associated symptoms may include legs pulled up to the stomach, a flushed face, clenched hands, and a wrinkled brow.[2] The cry is often high pitched (piercing).

Effect on the family

An infant with colic may affect family stability and be a cause of short-term anxiety or depression in the mother.[2] It may also contribute to exhaustion and stress in the parents.[5]

Persistent infant crying has been associated with severe marital discord, postpartum depression, early termination of breastfeeding, frequent visits to doctors, maternal smoking and over a quadrupling of excessive laboratory tests and prescription of medication for acid reflux.[citation needed] Babies with colic may be exposed to abuse, especially shaken baby syndrome.