How do I know when my babe is experiencing colic?

Some of the symptoms include; Loud, intense, continuous and ear-piercing cries that typically go on for 3–4 hours, for no apparent reason.

• Sudden, shrill, high-pitched shrieks for prolonged periods of the day and/or night.
• Inconsolable despite your efforts to cuddle and soothe — baby doesn’t want to be held.
• Attacks usually occur around the same time each day, becoming predictable (commonly late afternoons and early evenings).
• Baby draws its knees (legs) well up to the stomach as if in great abdominal pain from an acute tummy-ache — or sticks legs out rigidly straight with an arched back.
• Taut tummy — a hard and swollen belly, which can have grumbling sounds.
• Red in the face, which may become pale and blue around the mouth if the attack is long or severe.
• May spit up occasionally.
• Crying episodes can sometimes start or end with the baby sobbing, shaking, farting or doing poos.
• Colic is usually outgrown by 3–5 months (but occasionally takes up to a year).