A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Baby Colic:  Baby colic, also known as infantile colic, is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or displays symptoms of distress frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason.

The condition typically appears within the first month of life and often disappears rather suddenly before the baby is three to four months old. However it can last up to one year.  One study concludes that babies who are not breastfed are almost twice as likely to have colic. The crying often increases during a specific period of the day, particularly the early evening.

Symptoms may worsen soon after feeding, especially in babies that do not belch easily.
According to some doctors' chocolate, cow’s milk and onions are among the foods that a lactating mother needs to avoid.

You should see your doctor if your baby cries excessively. This is so your doctor can rule out conditions that may be causing your baby's crying, such as eczema or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).