Treatment

Helping a child with colic is primarily a matter of experimentation and observation. If you can identify and eliminate a trigger for the colic, that is best. Even if you can't, learn which measures most comfort your baby.

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS

• Foods - If you are breast-feeding, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and chocolate. Try eliminating dairy products and nuts for a few weeks, as these may be causing allergic reactions in the baby. Other foods may also irritate the baby.
• Formula - Switching formulas is NOT helpful for most babies, but is very important for some.
• Medicine - Some medicines mom may be taking can also lead to crying.
• Feeding - If a bottle feeding takes less than 20 minutes, the hole in the nipple may be too large. Avoid overfeeding the infant or feeding too quickly.

People often hear that breastfeeding moms should avoid broccoli, cabbage, beans, and other gas-producing foods. However, there is not much evidence that these foods are a factor.

TIPS FOR COMFORTING THE BABY

Different children are comforted by different measures. Some prefer to be swaddled in a warm blanket; others prefer to be free. Try many different things, and pay attention to what seems to help, even just a little bit.