Medications for Colic

Colic occurs in babies who are anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months in age. The Mayo clinic defines colic as "crying more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy well-fed baby." Visible signs of colic are predictable crying episodes, intense high-pitched crying and posture changes such as curled up legs, clenched fists and tense abdominal muscles.

Simethicone

• If colic symptoms are not relieved on their own a medication named simethicone may be suggested by the doctor. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating and discomfort caused by excess gas in the stomach or intestinal tract. Simethicone has not proved to be beneficial to colicky babies and sometimes has more adverse effects to infants than helpful.

Probiotics

• Probiotics is bacteria beneficial to a person's health. Probiotics may protect the body against certain bacteria or help once an illness has entered the body. In the case of colic, probiotics can help the baby maintain a natural balance of good bacteria as stated by Mayo clinic. This maintaining of good bacteria can relieve symptoms of colic.

Alternative Medicine

• Most natural remedies for colic can be performed at home. Herbal teas can help soothe colic symptoms. Parents should administer herbal tea one ounce at a time and should not stop formula or breastfeeding. A few drops of fennel oil can also help relieve colic symptoms for the baby. Fennel oil can be added to formula or breast milk. Massage therapy may also be beneficial for a baby with colic. Parents or caregivers can massage the baby for up to 15 minutes a day. Any alternative medicine should be discussed with the doctor before actually using it.