Health Topics A-Z
Colic
What Are the Treatments?
There is no cure for colic, although many at-home remedies have proved helpful in soothing colicky babies. It is important to remain calm; communication of your own anxiety or frustration to a colicky child will probably result in more crying. Above all, never punish a colicky baby. If you feel yourself near the breaking point, ask someone else to stay with your child while you rest or get away to compose yourself.
If you suspect your child has colic, call your pediatrician or family doctor. After ruling out possible medical causes of prolonged crying, such as ear infection or respiratory problems, most doctors recommend simple home-management techniques.
Some babies with colic seem to feel better if they sleep in a quiet room and get a lot of attention from their parents.
Some encourage parents to talk with other parents for support. If you have gone through colic with an older child, you may decide to call the doctor only if you think your colicky infant is sick.
Sources: Parker S, Zuckerman, B and Augustyn M. (editors). Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: A Handbook for Primary Care, Lippincott, 2005.