Colic/Teething

Question 1

Why is colic treated?

Answer 1

Although infantile colic is not harmful, it is stressful for both the baby and the parents

Question 2

When does colic happen?

Answer 2

It generally begins in the first few weeks after the baby is born and resolves by the time the baby is 3-4 months old

Question 3

Treatment timescale for colic

Answer 3

With treatment should resolve within 2 weeks

Question 4

Symptoms of colic

Answer 4

• Crying in late afternoon and evening
• Baby cannot be comforted, becomes red in the face and may draw the knees up
• passing wind and difficulty passing stools may occur

Question 5

Symptoms of teething

Answer 5

dribbling/drooling
reddened cheeks 
inflamed gums 
biting objects 
increase in general irritability

Question 6

Referral criteria for colic and teething

Answer 6

• If baby becomes inconsolable, refer to GP
• Volvulus (twisting of intestines) is rare but can occur and cause incessant and loud crying
• incessant crying

Question 7

Colic/teething and baby feeds

Answer 7

Establish whether the baby is bottle-fed or breast-fed and the type of formula of milk being used
For breastfed infants, it may be worth the mother considering the exclusion of cow’s milk from her diet

Question 8

Lifestyle advice colic/teething

Answer 8

No good evidence to support commonly tried approaches to management.
Reassure parents it is not their fault and that the baby will grow out of it
Local discomfort relief using application of cold and use of analgesics or typical gels

Question 9

Treatment advice for colic/teething

Answer 9

A trial of simethicone drops for 1 week could be suggested if other strategies unsuccessful and the parents would like to try it.
A trial of cow’s milk exclusion for 1 week could be suggested (in child’s diet or in mother’s diet if child is breastfed)