Interventions available to cope with this condition are discussed by Jean Cowie, with an overview of potential problems if parents are not supported

This article reviews the literature underpinning interventions to manage colic with a particular focus on dietary modifications, pharmacology interventions, alternative therapies and behavioural interventions. The available literature suggests that for some infants dietary modifications and the use of hypoallergenic, hydrolysed whey, or hydrolysed casein-based formulas may be beneficial. Behaviour interventions, with the provision of supportive home visits to help parents develop competent parenting skills, have also been found to be influential in the management of colic, which reinforces the role of the health visitor and the value of home visits in the early years of a child’s life.