Help for your uncomfortable baby
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Colic won't harm your baby, but it will make your baby cry a lot, and cause you to feel worried and fatigued. Treatments vary
from child to child. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you discover the best colic treatment for your infant.
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Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which form of physical therapy, dietary change, or home remedy rates best for treating colic.
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Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating colic. Our clear
and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.
Key points for babies with colic
- Doctors say babies have colic when they cry for at least three hours a day, for three days a week, for at least three weeks.
- Colic usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old and stops at 4 or 5 months.
- Some researchers think that colic could be caused by gas or painful bowel cramps, but they aren't certain.
- Colic isn't caused by you doing anything wrong. And it won't harm your baby.
- Sometimes babies cry for other reasons. Try to make sure your baby is not hungry, too hot or cold, has a wet diaper or is
in pain.
- No single treatment for colic has been shown to work for sure. But some treatments including a baby formula specially treated
for allergies, calming behavior, and massaging your baby may be helpful.
Sudden and high pitched crying especially in the afternoon or evening may indicate colic. Your baby might draw their legs
up while crying and clench their hands. The crying may stop when your baby passes a stool or is simply exhausted.
Having a baby with colic can make you feel depressed and exhausted. While there's no cure, there are some things you can do
to comfort your baby. Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which
colic treatments are right for your baby. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best
research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.