My doctor says that my baby may have colic. What can I do to ease his constant crying?
- June

Taking care of a baby with colic can be exhausting and often frustrating. Doctors still aren't sure exactly what causes colic, but trying these tips might make it easier on your baby — and on you:

• walk or rock your baby
• place him in a swing or take him for a ride in the car
• burp him more often
• place him across your lap while rubbing his back
• play music for him

And some breastfeeding moms feel that colic improves when they change their own diet.

Most important, make sure you console your baby. You won't be "spoiling" him or giving him too much attention — instead, you'll be showing him that you respond to his needs. And remember, as exhausting and frustrating as colic is, it's only temporary.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: February 2010