Babies cry as a natural way to communicate. Sometimes when a baby cries it could signal a problem. A baby that cries for more than 3 hours in one day for a period of three days is consider to have colic. Colic is basically crying that is not able to be controlled. The baby is not crying due to any particular need. The cause of colic is unclear, but it is not dangerous or harmful to the baby.

Colic usually becomes apparent around two weeks of age. It can last for months, but usually follows a pattern of starting around two weeks and getting worse over the course of the next six week and then tapering off until the baby is three to five months old when it finally disappears. It is actually common and occurs in about 20% of babies. There is no connection between the gender of the baby or if the baby is a first-born child or not.

What causes colic is not known. However, it has been linked with digestive problems. It has also been linked to the under developed nervous system of a baby, which causes the baby to not be able to stop crying once it starts. There are many other opinions as to what causes colic and the baby’s doctor will usually recommend an array of solutions to try.

A baby with colic when exhibit the main symptom of crying uncontrollable. This often signals the baby needs something but when all needs have been met it is most likely colic. A colicky baby will often look like they are in pain, with their legs pulled up tight. Parents can rest assured, though, that their baby is not likely in real pain, but this is merely a symptom of colic.

Having a baby with colic can be difficult. Parents often become frustrated because they can not calm their baby. It can be very stressful, but parents should understand that their baby is really going to be okay and that in time this will pass.