When considering a baby colic formula, there are many factors that need to be considered. Baby colic, often known as infant colic, three-month colic, infantile colic, colic in babies, and colic, is the condition in which healthy colic babies seem to cry or scream frequently, for extended periods of time without any visible sign as to why.

Due to the fact that the act of crying and being fussy is normal for infants, an upset baby doesn’t necessarily mean that the baby has colic. In healthy, well-fed babies, symptoms of colic may include predictable crying episodes, intense of inconsolable crying, and posture changes. Babies suffering from colic tend to cry around the same time of the day, every day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. These episodes have been known to last from a few minutes all the way up to three hours or more. The crying episode tends to begin suddenly, when no visible sign as to why. Colic babies tend to exhibit a bowel movement or pass gas near the end of the colic episode. Crying induced by colic problems tend to be intense and high pitched. The baby experiencing the episode may be extremely difficult to comfort. During colic episodes, the suffering baby may also exhibit curled up legs, clenched fists and tensed abdominal muscles.

Unfortunately, the cause of colic problems still remains unknown. Researchers have explored a numerous possibilities, including allergies, lactose intolerance, an immature digestive system, maternal anxiety, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted.

Problems in babies with colic can place an enormous amount of strain on parents, as well as other members of the infant’s family. Because of the feeling that the parent is not providing something that the infant desperately needs or wants can produce stress, depression, feelings of helplessness, and even low self-esteem within the individual. If an infant tends to suffer from colic episodes during the night hours, other family members may become aggravated, or even suffer from sleep deprivation, which in turn will lead to exhaustion. When the suffering infant is part of a family that resides in dense housing such as apartments, constant crying can also strain relationships with neighbors and landlords.

Colic in babies tends to improve on their own, usually by the time the infant reaches the age of three months. Prescription medications such as Mylicon can be administered, but be warned. These medications have the potential of imposing serious side effects. Luckily, research shows that treatment with probiotics can soothe colic episodes, such as the infamous gripe water.

Always consult a physician before beginning a treatment with a baby colic formula for babies with colic.