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Introduction
Colic refers to the crying of a baby for no apparent reason that typically occurs about the same time each day. During this time the child is inconsolable. The scientific definition of colic is crying that can last up to three hours per day and often times more than that. In addition to that, it must happen at least three days per week and can only be considered to be colic if the child is healthy otherwise. Though it is a short-lived situation it can be extremely difficult for both the caretakers and the child who has no idea why he or she is feeling the way they are feeling.
Epidemiology:
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White children have a higher prevalence of colic with statistics showing that 3% to 28% of babies suffer from it.
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Asian children have a much lower prevalence of colic.
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Equal appearance in both female and male children
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Research shows that if a parent has one child with colic that the chances of having another with it are much higher.
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Some studies show that it is typically the first born who has colic and that if the first born does not have it, later births will be free from it as well though there is no solid evidence to back this up.
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Another finding that is worth mentioning but not consistent is that children born with lower birth weights are at greater risk.
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1 out of every 5 children cries enough to be considered as having colic.
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