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Dr Kathi J. Kemper writes : “Some babies are going to get colic no matter what you do. However, there are things you can try to reduce the likelihood that your baby will develop colic. All of the effective prevention techniques are from the lifestyle side of the Therapeutic Mountain.

1. Nutrition. If you are nursing your baby, feed at least every two hours rather than every three to four hours. If you are feeding your baby formula, choose one that is iron-fortified to reduce the risk of colic and anemia. Do not introduce solids in your baby’s diet until she is at least four to six months old.

2. Behavior. Carry your baby as much as possible. Several years ago, a Canadian study showed that parents who carried their babies four to five hours a day were rewarded by a 50% reduction in infant crying at six weeks of age compared with parents who carried their babies two to three hours a day. The improvement was especially noticeable in the evening hours when colic tends to be worse.

Unfortunately, more recent studies have been unable to duplicate the benefits of increased carrying on infant colic. Despite these studies, I still advocate carrying your baby at least three hours daily because I believe it helps promote bonding between parents and infants and facilitates quicker responses to babies’ needs.

Respond to your young baby’s cry quickly (within ninety seconds). This reduces crying both in the short run and in the long run as your baby learns that you are ready, willing, and able to meet her needs. “Spoiling” the young baby (under four months old) actually improves his behavior. You don’t make a two-month-old tougher, stronger, or more self-sufficient by expecting her to cry it out; you just get more crying.

Don’t smoke. Smoking parents are more likely to have babies who cry a lot during infancy, and their children are more likely to suffer from colds, ear infections, and other problems later on. Relax. The more you and your spouse do to remain calm, to gain the support and confidence you feel you need to be good parents, and to nurture your own relationship, the less likely you are to have a baby who develops colic, and the better you will be able to cope with colic or any other problem that comes along.

Make sure you get enough sleep and support to cope with a crying baby. Many parents find it helpful to join a parent support group so they can hear how other parents deal with the same issues they face and so they can feel less alone in learning how to be good parents. ”