Help for colicky babies.

Abstract

The topic of colic is not new, yet parents often receive little help during a very distressing time. Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion and the diagnosis is made only after a thorough work up to rule out pathological conditions. Several studies are summarized that address the cause and management of colic. One management method, behavioral modification, is described. This intervention uses the acronym REST for Regulate, Environment cues, Structure, and Touch and for Reassurance, Empathy, Support, and Timeout. This management strategy is helpful to decrease irritability, allowing infants to become better able to regulate their environments. In most babies, colic resolves gradually or in some cases dramatically by the age of four months.