What is colic and how to deal with it

Having a newborn is an exciting and challenging experience. However for parents with a colicky baby it can be beyond challenging.
What is colic in newborns
Colic in newborns is a broad term.
There is no standard definition of colic said Luis Garcia MD a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare.
Thats what makes it so hard to manage. Because technically we dont know what were trying to manage.
Dr. Garcia said if your baby is extremely fussy for more than three hours at a time at least three times a week it may be colic.

There is no harm to your baby. Its just excessive and uncontrollable crying Dr. Garcia said.
The colic cry sometimes sounds a little different than the cry when a baby needs something. Colic crying sounds more like screaming crying.
If youve changed their diaper fed them held them and nothing is working to get them to stop crying thats usually considered colic.
Simply put colic is episodes of fussiness or crying.
What causes colic?
One of the theories is that theres somehow increased gas or bloating. But theres not usually one thing that causes colic Dr. Garcia said.
It may be related to something in the mothers diet if youre breastfeeding. Some babies are sensitive to certain foods that moms eat such as dairy or gluten.
What are the symptoms of colic?
Common symptoms of colic include
Continued fussiness even after theyre calm
Uncontrollable crying often in the evening and at night
Crying when they have no reason to cry
Intense crying and screaming thats hard to soothe
Pale or red face when worked up
Tensed body such as tight stiff legs and arms clenched fists and arched back
Colic episodes are especially common at night and in the evening.
They could even have colic all day Dr. Garcia said.
How long does colic last?
Know this is a temporary thing even though it doesnt feel like it at the