White's research supports a more recent view of colic that suggests these infants may simply be exceptionally good signalers of their needs. Their crying reflects robust health, which enables them to cry for long times without substantial metabolic cost. Yet, in our study, the infants with colic weighed similar to infants without colic, even though feeding habits were similar. In non-Westernized cultures where an infant is kept close to a parent nearly 24 hours a day for the first few months and is fed on demand, the concept of colic is unfamiliar. The biggest mistake parents can make is to assume their infant will grow into a fussy child.
Infants learn to regulate their behavior and soothe themselves with direction from their parents.
By expecting irritable behavior, parents may subtly enable it later on. Instead, they should view the crying as a sign their baby is strong and healthy, and take comfort in knowing that it won't go on forever. Increase the amount of time you carry your infant throughout the day. Try short, continual feedings throughout the day. Try sleeping with or in close proximity to your infant.