Infant colic, sometimes referred to as 3-month colic – Many babies suffer from colic, which can lead to bouts of abdominal pain, particularly in the first three months. Sudden outbreaks of crying in otherwise healthy babies after feeding, or in the afternoon in particular may be an indication of infant colic. Their bodies frequently adopt a typical tensed position, repeatedly drawing up and extending their legs.

Infant colic can occur for a number of reasons. If the baby feeds too quickly and does not latch on correctly during breastfeeding, or the bottle is not held properly, it may swallow too much air. The problem may also be that the infant’s digestive system is not yet fully formed. If this is the case the lactose in breast milk or infant formula cannot be properly metabolised, causing bloating. In rare cases it may be due to food intolerances (e.g. to cow’s milk). If the infant’s crying increases a doctor must be consulted so that 3-month colic can be diagnosed and other conditions excluded.

The good news is that most cases of colic clear up after the first three to four months. There are also things you can do to prevent it, including taking your time during feeding, burping the baby after feeding, or mixing infant formula with tea (e.g. fennel tea). If 3-month colic occurs, there are a number of ways to help the baby: Applying warmth, rubbing the tummy or holding it in the air are tried and tested tips for dealing with bloating. Drugs known as anti-foaming agents can also help alleviate your child’s symptoms by breaking up any gas bubbles in the gut by an entirely physical process.