What Is Infantile Colic?

Infantile colic is recognised as babies who are unsettled, unhappy and who cry uncontrollably, for long unbroken periods and to a different degree than they would normally when otherwise fit and well.
There is very little scientific evidence available to determine the cause of colic though is traditionally thought to be related to the gastro-intestinal tract.
Before seeking medical advice, other causes for the crying should be ruled out. Check for high temperature, hunger/thirst, locatable pain, need for comfort or from simple but very uncomfortable trapped wind.
There are no proven methods for treating colic, and parents should take comfort in knowing that it does not last forever, and they could try changing formula (on the health visitor's advice), if breast-feeding, changing the mother's diet, using different feeding bottles or by changing feeding position.