Colic Directory
Colic is excessive crying and irritability in an infant. If your baby has colic, it may seem like he or she cries all the time. To be diagnosed with colic, a baby must cry for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks. Babies with colic usually become more fussy at the end of the day, but the extreme crying may occur at anytime. Colic is not caused by a medical condition. But crying can cause a baby to swallow air, which can lead to gas and discomfort, and further crying. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about colic, why it occurs, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Could Your Baby's Crying Be Colic?
Could your newborn's crying be colic? Here are possible reasons for colic and what to do to calm your baby.
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Understanding Colic -- Symptoms
Find out the symptoms of colic, including how long crying lasts for babies with colic and when you should call the doctor.
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Abdominal Gas and Colic-Topic Overview
Some people have problems digesting milk protein or milk sugar ( lactose intolerance ). But these problems are very rare in babies. Until your doctor can evaluate your baby,it is usually not advisable to switch formula or stop breast-feeding as a means to remedy suspected food digestion problems. Research shows that a vast majority of babies diagnosed with colic do not have health problems ...
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Colic-When to Call a Doctor
Callor other emergency services immediately if:You are afraid that you are about to harm your baby and you cannot find someone to help you.Your baby has been shaken, has a change in his or her level of consciousness, or has signs of severe difficulty breathing.Call your health professional immediately if your baby:Cries in a peculiar manner or for a very unusual length of time.Has not been ...
Features
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Expert Q&A: Crying and Colic
Tips from an expert on what to do about colic, how long colic lasts, and how to soothe a fussy baby.
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When a Disease Causes Baby's Colic
For many parents, colic remains a bothersome, mysterious condition that only time and a lot of patience can cure. But sometimes colic isn't a mystery. For some inconsolable infants, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be to blame for the screaming, the sleeplessness and the pain.
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Surviving Colic
There is no doubt that your baby will survive colic -- but will you? Here's our parents' guide to making it through this trying time.
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Does Parent Stress Affect Baby?
Do you worry too much? Here's how stress in parents can cause stress and worry in baby. Learn how to calm yourself and help your baby stay calm, too.
Video
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Baby Crying Causes
All parents want to know why their babies cry -- and how best to respond. Harvey Karp, MD, offers guidance on what to watch for -- and when to get help.
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Soothing a Crying Baby
Harvey Karp, MD, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, describes a combination of techniques he calls the "5 S’s" to help calm crying babies.
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Crying and Illnesses
The first step to calming your crying baby is to rule out illness, says Harvey Karp, MD, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block.
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Caring for a Crying Baby
Pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton talks about strategies for soothing a crying baby.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: 10 Tips to Get Your Baby to Stop Crying
Learn top parenting tricks for calming crying, colicky, and fussy newborns and babies from this slideshow.
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Slideshow: Help Baby Nap Better
Learn how to get your baby napping on a schedule so he gets the sleep he needs. See what's normal and find tricks for helping baby fall asleep.
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Slideshow: Baby Feeding Problems
Baby won't eat? From teething to pickiness, see what could be causing your baby's feeding problems. Learn what's normal, how to cope, and when to seek help.
Quizzes
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