The cause of colic is not known and therefore a cure is not known either. Colic is the uncontrollable episodes in which a baby cries. This differs from a typical newborn who may seem to cry a lot because a colicky baby will cry for no reason. Colic may not be able to be stopped or cured, but parents have some options for trying to sooth their infant when they are going through an episode.

What doctors do know about colic has led to some common advice as to how parents should handle a colicky baby. There really are no medications recommended for helping a colicky baby, but there are things a parent can try with the baby. Some of these possibilities are quite simple to try, so it never hurts to at least give them a shot. One thing for parents to keep in mind is that what may work during an episode may not work the next time, so dealing with colic is an ongoing process of trial and error.

The following is a list of some ways parents may be able to bring some relief to their baby when they are going through a colic episode.

- Try feeding the baby. If the baby acts as if they are hungry or if it is around the babies normal meal time then give him something to eat.

- Try a pacifier. Even if the baby does not normally like a pacifier it may work during a colic episode.

- Try offering water. Avoid the urge to sweeten it, though. Use plain water.

- Try cuddling the baby. Many babies respond to being tightly wrapped, but it is important to make sure the baby does not get too warm as this can trigger or prolong a colic episode.

- Move the baby. This could be rocking the baby or putting him a swing. Sometimes movement helps sooth the baby and stop the episode.

- Try sound. You could sing or introduce background noise. Do not make it too loud. Sound for some reason tends to sooth a colicky baby.

- Help the baby pass gas or have a bowel movement. For some babies this is the trigger for a colic episode, so helping them along may help.

- Try using heat or massage. Giving the baby a warm bath or laying him on a warm water bottle may help. Massage may also sooth the baby.

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