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Medical Treatment

Treatment often entails reassurance by the doctor. The doctor also may recommend these treatments:

• Simethicone drops (Maalox, Gas-X, Mylanta, Phazyme) may relieve gas.
  
  
• Ensure a quiet, nonstimulating environment when colic begins.
  
  
• Change the baby's diet and feeding techniques. Breastfed babies may benefit if the mother avoids dairy products, especially if prone to allergies, or resort to a hypoallergenic diet. Other suggestions include eliminating spicy foods, raw vegetables, and caffeine.
  
  
• Try an alternative to milk-based formulas. Recent studies suggest that switching from milk-based formulas may lessen the incidence of colic.
  
  
  • Whey-based formulas, such as Carnation Good Start, contain already broken-down proteins that may be more easily digestible.
    
    
  • Soy-based formulas, such as Isomil and Enfamil ProSobee, may decrease the duration of colic symptoms.
    
    
  • Hypoallergenic formulas, such as Enfamil Nutramigen and Alimentum, are thought to reduce colic symptoms in bottle-fed babies. They are more expensive than other formulas.