Indicators Associated with Colic

Parents may describe their baby’s cry as more piercing, painful or intense compared to his normal cry. Parents often think of colicky pain as an acute abdominal pain, but since colicky babies cannot describe exactly what distresses them, it is hard for parents to know the precise cause of their distress. If you suspect your baby is suffering from colic, compare your child’s indicators with the list below. Our poll of thousands of parents illustrates the frequency of nine common signs in infants meeting at least two of the Wessel criteria for colic. Overall, 84% reported at least 5 of the signs below.

SYMPTOMS / SIGNS	FREQUENCY
1. Cries vigorously for long periods, despite efforts to console*	100%
2. Symptoms begin and end abruptly without warning	92%
3. During episodes; baby arches back, pulls knees to chest, clenches first, flails arms and legs	90%
4. Baby experiences disrupted sleep patterns	83%
5. Crying begins around the same time day or night	77%
6. Shows signs of gas such all abdominal bloating or a hard distended stomach	74%
7. Symptoms begin after meal times	70%
8. Symptoms cease after a bowel movement or passing gas	62%