Introduction

A baby has only one mode of communication – Crying. All babies cry because that is the only way they know how to tell you when they are hungry, or wet or when they feel tired. Its extremely normal for new born babies to cry and wail out loud a lot. But there is a difference between a baby crying normally and a baby with colic.

What is Colic?

An otherwise healthy, well-fed baby is considered to have colic if he or she cries uncontrollably for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks in a row.

In India colic affects as many as one in four babies. And colic most often begins a few weeks after birth and improves by the 3-month mark.

What are symptoms of colic?

If your baby does the following then they might have colic –

• Clenches their fists
• Bends their arms and legs toward the belly
• Has a bloated tummy
• Has a red, flushed face when they start crying
• Passes gas while shedding tears, often because they swallowed air
• Tightens their stomach muscles

What to do if your baby has colic?

If your baby has colic don’t be worried. It's normal and temporary, and your baby will grow out of it. Doing belly massage for the baby with warm oil is a natural remedy to help babies with colic.