Infant colic is characterized by:

• loud, high-pitched screaming, different from hunger crying, usually occurring at the end of the day, but can also occur at other times of the day or night.
• physical restlessness with clenched fists, flushed face, legs folded over to stomach and restless, arched back, hard and apparently sensitive stomach.
• possibly gases.

These crises, which occur in a healthy and growing baby, can last from a few minutes to 3 hours or more. Crying appears inconsolable, although the baby is sometimes relieved when hugged, lying on his stomach, cradled or walked around.

Colic can appear as early as the second or third week of life. They usually reach a stronger intensity around 6 or 8 weeks, then gradually decrease.

At 3 months, 60% of colic is resolved. At 4 months, they have disappeared in 90% of cases^3,6.