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About 25% of all newborns cry inconsolably for hours at a time, several times a day, even when healthy and well-fed. This condition, known as colic, usually begins at about two to three weeks of age, intensifies around six weeks, and improves by about three to four months.

Babies with colic will often scream and cry for two to three hours at a time and often seem as if they are in pain. The causes of colic are not known, but it is not thought to be from abdominal pain, food allergies, iron in infant formula, or gas, even though most babies with colic will pass a lot of gas and draw their legs up while they cry.

The cause of colic has not been found, but doctors do not believe that colic is caused by gas. They now believe that the gas associated with colic is caused when a baby swallows air while they’re crying.

Some differences between colicky babies and those that are sick include:

Colicky babies have a good appetite and are otherwise healthy and growing normally. Sick babies may appear colicky, but don’t feed well.

Colicky babies like to be held and touched. Sick babies seem uncomfortable when held.

Colicky babies may spit up, but if our baby is vomiting or losing weight, call your child’s doctor. Vomiting is not a sign of colic.

Colicky babies have normal stools. If your baby has diarrhea or blood in his or her stool, call your pediatrician.

Though there is no specific treatment that will make colic go away, but there are some things that you can do to soothe your child and make both of your lives easier.

Try feeding your baby to make sure that he or she is not hungry. Do not continue feeding your child if he or she is not.

Try consoling your baby by walking around while holding him or her, or sit in a rocking chair.

Try burping your baby more often during feedings.

Place your baby across your lap on his or her belly and rub the baby’s back.

Listen to music while rocking him or her.

Taking care of a baby with colic can be frustrating and parents often blame themselves when they can’t console their child, but it important to remember that colic is no one’s fault and your child will eventually outgrow it.

If you are unsure whether your child is ill or has colic, call your pediatrician.