COLIC CAUSES

No one knows what causes colic. The condition may be the result of swallowing large amounts of air, which becomes trapped in the digestive tract and causes bloating and severe abdominal pain.

Other possible causes of colic include:

• digestive tract immaturity
• food intolerances
• hunger or overfeeding
• lack of sleep
• loneliness
• overheated milk or formula
• overstimulation resulting from noise, light, or activity
• tension

During a colicky episode, babies' bellies often look swollen, feel hard, and make a rumbling sound. Crying intensifies, tapers off, then gets louder. Many babies grow rigid, clench their fists, curl their toes, and draw their legs toward their body. A burp or a bowel movement can end an attack. Most babies who have colic don't seem to be in pain between attacks.