What is infantile colic?

Infantile colic is the incessant, inconsolable, and unexplained crying or discontent of an infant within its first 5 months of life. It is very common, affecting from 10% to 40% of all infants.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Excessive infant crying is the most frequent reason for pediatric consultations and hospital emergency department visits in the first few weeks of life.^[1]

Fortunately, only about 5% of infants without a fever presenting to hospital with colic have a serious underlying condition.^[6] In fact, due to the low risk of serious conditions plus the possibility of infants picking up an infection in the hospital,^[7] it’s recommended that infants suspected of colic first be assessed in a non-hospital setting, when safely possible.^[8] If there is any possibility of an emergency, the infant should, of course, be seen as soon as possible in whatever setting is immediately available.

Infantile colic is most likely to occur within the first 6 weeks of life, and to resolve by 3–4 months of age.^{[9][10][11][12]}

Infantile colic can also affect caregivers: it is associated with caregiver exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and breastfeeding cessation, as well as with severe infant injury or death as a result of abuse.^[1]