India, Dec. 7 -- Colic is a term used when a healthy baby cries a lot, for no obvious reason, and seems inconsolable, yet is feeding, growing and otherwise behaving normally. Episodes often occur in the evening and babies may appear red-faced, draw up their legs, and tense their abdomen during crying. Crying usually peaks at about 6-8 weeks of age and improves by 3-4 months of age. Though distressing for parents, colic is a common and self-limiting condition that usually resolves on its own by 3-4 months of age. In India, studies report a prevalence of about 25.6%. It also accounts for 10% to 20% of paediatrician visits during early infancy for the first three months (1). The exact cause of colic is still not fully understood, and most experts believe that it is due to a combination of factors rather than one single reason. The digestive systems of babies are still maturing, which may lead to gas or discomfort. Some research suggests that babies with colic may have an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria, leading to gas and mild intestinal irritation. Feeding techniques can also play a role, including overfeeding, underfeeding, swallowing excess air, or sensitivity to cow's milk protein. Environmental and emotional factors like family stress or overstimulation may also influence how intensely or how often a baby cries. Before confirming colic, a paediatrician will check for any signs that might indicate another cause for excessive crying, such as fever, vomiting, poor feeding, blood in stools, abdominal distension, or poor weight gain. The classic 'Rule of 3', still recognised in research, describes colic as crying for more than three hours a day, on more than three days a week, for more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy baby (2). If everything is normal and the history fits the diagnostic pattern, colic is usually confirmed, even if parents understandably feel that they cannot wait three full weeks for help. There is no single proven treatment, but several measures can ease the baby's discomfort and reduce parental stress. Comfort techniques Role of probiotics Probiotics (particularly L. reuteri DSM 17938) are a promising, generally safe option that may help some infants with colic but benefits are modest and not guaranteed. Current guidance is cautious: consider a short, monitored trial after discussing risks, expected benefit and the specific product with the child's paediatrician. (3) Parents should seek medical advice if their baby shows warning signs such as fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in stools, poor feeding, or slow weight gain. A medical review is also recommended if crying suddenly changes in pattern, does not improve with comforting techniques or continues beyond three to four months of age. The most important reassurance for families is that colic is temporary. Most babies outgrow it by three to four months, and nearly all by six months. While living through the phase can feel stressful and emotionally draining, it does not mean anything is wrong with the baby or the parents' care. Support, patience, and understanding go a long way until this challenging but short-lived period passes. Ref: (1) Maladkar et al. Revisiting infantile colic: Modern approaches to an age-old challenge. International journal of Pediatrics and Neonataology. 2025 (2)Banks JB, Rouster AS, Chee J. Infantile Colic. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan (3)Sung V, Hiscock H, Tang M, Mensah F, Nation ML, Satzke C, et al. Probiotics to prevent or treat excessive infant crying: an individual participant data meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2018;141(1):e20171811. Dr Anupam Sibal is a leading Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with over three decades of experience and five books to his credit, including the national bestseller Is Your Child Ready to Face the World?...