Infant Colic

Some infants suffer from episodes of crying lasting up to three hours at a time known as infant colic

These episodes take place during the first 3 weeks from delivery. The infant colic may last from 3 weeks to three months. If the infant is eating well, the stools are normal, extended crying periods are a symptom of Colicky infant.

Cause of Colic

There is no known cause for colic. Some scientists have tried to link it to timing of melatonin production in infants.  It has been observed that breast fed babies at large are at less risk than the formula fed infants. It is also observed that most of the colicky infants have more intestinal gas.

Remedies

In the olden days, mothers used to give a tiny amount of Afeem (Opium). The infants 'under the influence' will stop crying.

During British Raj, Woodward's Gripe water was introduced to India. Gripe water had Alcohol, dill seed oil, sucrose, and water. Now, the infants were under the influence of alcohol. In 1982, United Sates banned Gripe water because of alcohol. In 1992, UK dropped using Alcohol. Some of the industry turned around and substituted Alcohol with Chamomile. Now the infants were under the influence of Chamomile. There is no scientific evidence that Opium, Alcohol, or the Chamomile actually remedy the Colic.

Gripe water label does not make any claims about colic. The label makes claims about relief from flatulence, and teething.

There is good evidence that sugar does help with Colicky infants. Dill seed and Fennel seed help with flatulence.

I have included a Recipe for Gripe water that may be useful for half of the colicky infants.