Colic: excessive crying in newborns.

The pediatrician is commonly called upon to evaluate and manage the crying newborn. While most of these infants have colic, organic causes of crying must be carefully considered. The role of crying in precipitating child abuse also requires special vigilance on the physician's part. Colicky babies respond most effectively to physical contact and gentle motion. Other approaches, such as changing formulas or drugs, are unnecessary and potentially dangerous. Preventive measures for colic are addressed in steps one through four of the article "The Prevention of Sleep Problems" in this volume.