ABSTRACT
Crying is one of the most powerful ways in which an infant can attract adult attention. Colic is a self-limiting condition occurring in babies who are thriving and otherwise well. In some cases, such as when a baby cries persistently during the day, the label of a ‘difficult temperament’ may be more helpful than that of ‘three-month colic’. It is difficult to arrive at a clear definition of three-month colic, and its aetiology is not fully understood. An alternative term is persistent evening crying. One of the commonest reasons for frequent or near continual crying in a young baby is hunger. Temperamental changes are associated with the amount and style of an infant’s crying. The majority of problems with crying babies is self-limiting and has no serious long-term consequences. In general, these babies lend themselves very well to management without referral, for instance by the health visitor or family support worker.
