Probiotics and Colic

If you’ve ever had a colicky baby, you know that colic can be more than frustrating.  Colic is when a healthy baby cries more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week or more for reasons unknown.  This is way more than regular baby fussiness and in most cases, despite your best efforts, nothing seems to console the little one.

When discussing colic with your doctor, he will rule out any medical conditions and then likely recommend having family and friends help during this trying time.  Now, he may also recommend probiotics as well.

Studies show that probiotics, healthy microorganisms that fight bad bacteria in the digestive tract, help colicky babies by reducing crying and even relaxing baby.  The studies specifically looked at the probiotic L. Reuteri, one of many different probiotics on the market today.

These probiotics are available over-the-counter in liquid or powder form.  Some formulas now also have probiotics in them.  As always, discuss this with your pediatrician first.