Colic refers to a situation in which a baby cries more than three hours a day, more than three days a week. While every baby cries to express a need, such as hunger or being uncomfortable, the baby with colic often cries for no apparent reason. Making the situation even more frustrating is the fact that research has not yet proven what exactly it is that causes colic, although there is a great deal of speculation about what might be at the source.

There are some things, however, that you can do to try to calm a baby with colic. For example, sometimes switching brands of formula (if your baby is bottle fed) may do the trick. If there is any family history of lactose intolerance, you can switch to a soy-based formula. For moms who breastfeed, they may find that making changes in their diet, such as cutting out certain foods, may help. If a lactose intolerance is expected, the breastfeeding mom may try switching to soy milk products herself.

Sometimes, a baby with colic may be calmed by carrying him for a while. Some babies with colic may find that going for a ride in the car seems to soothe them. Other babies with colic may respond well to a baby swing. Some babies with colic will respond to swaddling, or being wrapped snugly inside a blanket, although this is not recommended after the first month or two as it may interfere with development.

Sometimes, a pacifier may help a baby with colic. It may be that a back rub or a tummy rub will soothe the baby with colic. There are not any medications that are recommended to treat colic. Having said that, there are medicines that are available to help soothe the baby’s tummy, and that may help with their colic. It is worth talking to your health care provider before giving something like this to your baby, however.

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