The best way to know is to schedule an appointment with your baby’s pediatrician and talk to him about your concerns. Many doctors follow the rule of three—if your child’s crying pattern begins around three weeks of age and he cries inconsolably for three hours or more for at least three consecutive weeks, he likely suffers from colic.
No one knows exactly what colic is or why it strikes certain children. Many children who were diagnosed with colic in years past might have responded well to today’s treatments for acid reflux or other gastrointestinal disorders, and some babies who are breastfed might benefit from a change in their mother’s diet—but there are still cases of unexplained colic in newborns that don’t appear to be related to either of these options. (Although we can assume that whatever it is, it’s likely tummy related.)
Colic is tough, but luckily it almost always passes by the five month mark. Talk to your doctor for tips on surviving colic and easing your baby’s discomfort.
