Colic (children)
Synopsis of Colic (children)
Colic in children, especially in infants, refers to episodes of intense, unexplained crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. It typically begins within the first few weeks of life and can last until about 3–4 months of age, though sometimes longer. The classic definition includes crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks—known as the "Rule of Threes."
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but theories include digestive discomfort (such as gas, bloating, or immature gut function), food sensitivities, overstimulation, or imbalance of gut microbiota. Colic is generally benign and self-limiting but can be distressing for both the baby and caregivers.
Types of Colic (Theories by Cause):
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Digestive Colic: Related to gas, lactose intolerance, or immature digestion.
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Neurological/Behavioral Colic: Due to overstimulation, temperament, or immature nervous system.
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Microbiome-Related Colic: Linked to an imbalance of beneficial gut bacteria.
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Feeding-Associated Colic: Linked to swallowing air, improper feeding techniques, or formula issues.
Common Causes (Theories):
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Gas buildup or intestinal cramping
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Immature digestive system
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Sensitivity to cow’s milk protein or lactose
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Overstimulation from environment (light, noise, activity)
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Parental stress (may influence baby's stress responses)
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Imbalance in gut microbiota (lower levels of beneficial bacteria)
Severity Factors:
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Peaks around 6–8 weeks of age, usually improving by 3–4 months
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Crying often occurs in the late afternoon or evening ("evening colic")
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Persistent inconsolable crying can affect family stress and mental health
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Rarely, underlying medical issues (e.g., hernia, reflux) should be ruled out
When to See a Doctor:
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Excessive crying combined with poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever
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Blood in stool or signs of severe abdominal bloating
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Failure to gain weight
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High-pitched or painful-sounding crying
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If crying persists beyond 4–5 months without improvement
Natural remedies for Colic (children)
Gentle rocking or swaddling: Provides security and calms the baby.
White noise: Replicates the sounds of the womb and soothes overstimulated infants.
Tummy time: Helps relieve gas and strengthens core muscles (only when awake and supervised).
Warm baths: Relax muscles and ease discomfort.
Massage: Gentle abdominal massage in a clockwise motion to encourage gas movement.
Burping frequently: During and after feeds to minimize swallowed air.
Modify feeding: Smaller, more frequent feedings; proper bottle angle to reduce air intake.
Probiotics (specific strains): Shown in some studies to help improve colic symptoms (e.g., Lactobacillus reuteri).
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Colic (children)
2'-Fucosyllactose
activated charcoal
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
anthocyanins
myrobalan
bilberry
black currant
black pepper
blueberry
carrot
chamomile
chlorella
fennel
ginger
green tea
lactobacillus rhamnosus
licorice root
milk
parsley
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
spirulina
vitamin D
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
boxthorne
buckthorn
amber
caraway
paw paw
2-Fucosyllactose
Ash
Angelica archanglica
Amber
Alpinia katsumadai
Alpinia
African Ginger
American Basil
Amylase
Angelica
acacia
Ajowan
Arisaema amurense
Amomum
Asoka Tree
Activated Charcoal
Asafoetida
Anserina
Almond Oil
Arisaema cum bile
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Alpinia (unspecified)
Activated Charcoal
Alkali (unspecified)
Anacard Or
Abutua
Angostura
Amomum (unspecified)
Aresaema (unspecified)
Alpha-Galactosidase
Alder Buckthorn
Alpha Galactosidase
Anise
American Wormseed
Amomum subulatum
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Aster (unspecified)
Adsorbant
Belladonna
Bentonite
Belleric myrobalan
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bulking Agent
Bitter Principles
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Brine
Buckhorn Plantain
Bur-Reed
Bifidobacterium breve
Borassus Palm
Bitter principals
banana
Boerhavia diffusa
Cowherb
Clivers
Calcium
Carvone
Cyperus rotundus
Chinese Amomum
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chenopodium
Chinese peony
Caraway
Chamomile (not specified)
Chirata
Clove
Chinese Rhubarb
Carbon
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile
Chamomile (unspecified)
Colocynth
Chenopodium album
Duodenum
Diatase
Dill
Dianthrone
Emulsion
Embelia ribes
Eclipta
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Fat (unspecified)
Fuchsia
Fennel
Ghee
German Chamomile
Gum (unspecified)
Goat milk protein
Galangal
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Holarrhena (unspecified)
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Long Pepper
Indian mallow
Kurtha zopfil
Lebbek
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lipids (unspecified)
Lesser Galangal
Lodhtree
Lactic Acid
Lingustilides
Lycopodium (unspecified)
Lactobacillus salivarius
Malt (unspecitied)
mineral (unspecified)
Meadowsweet
milk
Microcos
Nettle (mixed)
Nux Vomica
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
organic acid (unspecified)
Onosma bracteatum
Orchid
Oxystelma
Pluchea
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Pimpinella (unspecified)
portulaca
Polygalacturonase
Prickly ash (mixed)
Plantain
Plantain (unspecifed)
Plantain (common or English)
Quisqualis
Rugose Rose
Red root (unspecified)
Rice
Rosemary antioxidant S-32
Rhus coriaria
Simethicone
Southern Prickly Ash
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Stomach
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Sicilian Sumac
Stereospermum
Sickle Senna
Sword Bean
Tannin (unspecified)
Taraxacin
Tarrify
Terminalia (unspecified)
Trichosanthes
Taraxol
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine)
Vitamin B6 (not specified)
Vidanga
Violet (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (various)
White Sorghum syrup
Zedoary
Zanthoxylum piperitum