Colic

Baby colic (also known as infantile colic) is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day for more than three days a week for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child between the ages of two weeks and four months. The cause of the colic is generally unknown. Less than 5% of infants with excess crying have an underlying organic disease. Crying associated with a baby's colic can cause relationship stress, breastfeeding failure, postpartum depression, excess visits to the doctor, and child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome.

Home remedies

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb sometimes touted as a natural remedy for colic. When used to treat colic, fennel is typically taken in tea form or in emulsion form (i.e., a suspension of fennel seed oil in another liquid). In some cases, breastfeeding mothers consume fennel so that the baby can then ingest the herb while nursing.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.