Colic and Gripe

Colic and gripe cause great discomfort to young children, especially babies. The conditions can also be stressful for the rest of the family, as a colicky baby can cry for hours and won't respond to comforting.

Colic is a common condition that affects between 10-15% of children. It generally begins in your baby's first month and continues until they are around three months old. It is defined as uncontrollable crying or screaming in a healthy baby for frequent and extended periods of time without apparent reason. The cause of colic has yet to be conclusively established but there are several theories.

Many believe colic is a reaction to abdominal discomfort caused by gas trapped in the intestines, or that the baby's intestines are overworked and experiencing some form of cramping. Some believe that colic is caused by eating too fast or swallowing too much air while drinking fluids. These theories haven't been discredited, but recent studies have pointed to gut flora being the possible root of the problem. The studies have shown that babies with different gut flora patterns, including a lack of Lactobacillus acidophilus, are more prone to colic.

Luckily, as distressing as your baby's cries and screams can be, colic isn't a serious condition. It is only temporary and our range of products below will help to ease the discomfort and griping. For further information, please visit our colic advice page.