Home Remedies and Herbs for Colic

Colic is a condition that affects healthy babies. Colic is characterized by frequent periods of crying and discomfort in babies who do not appear to have anything wrong with them. Up to one in five babies are affected by colic.^1,2

Colic is not a serious condition and usually passes within a few weeks or months. However, colic can be a very disruptive condition to new parents and to the baby. Parents can become frustrated with their baby’s colic. No matter what they do, nothing works and they may end up feeling helpless and overwhelmed.^1,2

What Causes Colic?

Colic causes are unknown since babies with colic appear to have nothing wrong with them health-wise. Many researchers have investigated potential colic causes and have not yet identified a reason for this persistent crying behavior.³

Possible colic causes include allergies, lactose intolerance or digestive issues. In other cases, babies may become colicky when they have anxious parents. Or, colic may be attributed to the different ways babies are cared for.³

Colic Symptoms

Colic symptoms generally include frequent and consistent crying outbursts in newborns. A colicky baby tends to cry at the same time daily. Crying periods may last from a few minutes to several hours. Babies with colic seem to cry for no apparent reason and are often inconsolable. You may also notice your baby curling up into a ball and clenching their fists.⁴

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/basics/definition/con-20019091
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Colic/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/basics/causes/con-20019091 
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/basics/symptoms/con-20019091