Your baby cries every afternoon for hours at a time, and the crying has worn you down to the point where you feel like joining in. What could be upsetting your child?

Though all newborns cry and show some fussiness, when a child who is otherwise healthy cries for more than 3 hours per day, it is a condition known as colic, which is perfectly normal and eventually goes away on its own.

It's estimated that up to 25% of all infants have colic. It usually starts between the 3rd and 6th week after birth, and goes away on its own by the time the baby is 3 months old. If the baby is still crying excessively after that time, some sort of health problem may be to blame.

Here are some key facts about colic:

• Colicky babies have a healthy sucking reflex and a good appetite and are otherwise healthy and growing well. Sick babies may appear colicky but won't feed well and won't have the same strong sucking reflex.
• Colicky babies like to be cuddled and handled. Sick babies appear uncomfortable when they are handled and are difficult to console.
• Colicky babies may spit up from time to time, but if your baby is actually Breastfed babies get colic too; in these cases, dietary changes by the mother may help the colic to subside.

  And it's now believed that colic is probably not caused by gas. Research suggests that more often than not, colicky babies develop gas as a result of swallowing too much air while crying.

  Some evidence suggests that colic occurs when food moves either too quickly or too slowly through a baby's digestive system. Other theories are that colic is due to a baby's temperament, that some babies just take a little bit longer to get adjusted to the world or a day and night cycle, or that some babies have undiagnosed

  • Walk with your baby or sit in a rocking chair, trying various positions.
  • Try burping your baby more often during feedings.
  • Place your baby across your lap on his or her belly and rub your baby's back.
  • Put your baby in a swing. The motion may have a soothing effect.
  • Put your baby in an infant seat in the back of the car and go for a ride. The vibration and movement of the car are often calming.
  • Play music tapes — some babies respond to sound as well as movement.

  Caring for a colicky baby can be extremely frustrating, so be sure to take care of yourself, too. Don't blame yourself or your baby for the constant crying — colic is nobody's fault. Try to relax, and remember that your baby will eventually outgrow this phase.

  In the meantime, if you need a break from your baby's crying, take one. Friends and relatives are often happy to watch your baby when you need some time to yourself. If no one is immediately available, it's OK to put the baby down in the crib and take a break before making another attempt at consolation.

  If you're unsure whether your baby's crying is colic or a symptom of another illness, call your doctor.

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