Since there is no known and confirmed cause for colic, there is also no confirmed treatment for colic. There are some medicines can be used to reduce discomfort (not to treat) the symptoms of colic. These medicines normally help to relieve the abdominal-related symptoms. Medicines that are available over-the-counter and do not require a medical presciption include colic drops (commonly known as gripe water). Medicines that are normally prescribed by a doctor includes Infacol or Disflatyl which can help to relieve wind that is trapped in the digestive system.

Besides medical relief, there are also several measures that help in reducing the symptoms. In fact, most literature and baby doctors suggest measures to soothe and comfort the baby instead of medical treatments for colic. Since different babies react
differently to the different measures, parents should try as many of them as possible to determine which measures work best for their babies.


Overfeeding

Parents should not overfeed a baby with colic. Overfeeding causes distress to the digestive system which may worsen colic symptoms. If the baby has colic, try as much as possible to stick to the baby's regular feeding pattern - both in terms of schedule and amount (of course, it should be noted that as a baby grows, the required intake should increase accordingly). Amounts can be regulated by measurements in terms of ounces (for bottle-fed babies) or number of minutes (for breast-fed babies).


Feed Content

For bottle-fed babies, the amount of lactose in the baby's feed can be reduced by choosing low-allergy formulas. For breast-fed babies, the mothers should avoid dairy products in their diet. Besides dairy products, it is also observed that some types of food seem to make colic worse and should be avoided by the mothers. These include caffeine, alcohol, cruciferous vegetables (for example cabbage and sprouts); and 'gas'-producing foods like beans, onions and garlic. If the baby is being fed fruit juices, make sure that the juice is properly diluted. Undiluted juice will aggravate colic symptoms.


Wind

In order to reduce the intake of air in the feed, mothers who breast-feed should get professional help to guide the mother to get the baby to latch on to the nipple properly. If the baby is bottle-fed, parents can choose bottle and teats that are specially designed to reduce the air swallowed by the baby. If the baby is still bloated, try to 'burp' the baby frequently. Also, try carrying the baby in a front pouch style carrier to reduce the pressure of the belly.


Soothe an Irritated Baby

When the baby is crying in a colic bout, it is very difficult to get the baby to stop crying. However, parents can try to comfort the baby to make it as soothing as possible for the baby. Some tips include swaddling the baby in a comfortable blanket; warming the baby's belly with a warm water bottle; keeping the baby in motion in a rocker or a sling; taking the baby for a ride or a walk; and making a continuous vibrating-type noise (for example, the noise from a vacuum cleaner or a car engine). These methods help soothe the baby and reduce crying.