Protocol · Pediatric Health
Infant Colic Supportive Care Protocol
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Simethicone are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Infant Colic Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · 1 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 | Amount listed: 10^8 CFU (100 million) once daily | Best-studied probiotic for infant colic; reduces crying time; supports gut microbiome development
| Grade B for Infant crying8 studies · 323 people | |
| Simethicone | Amount listed: 20 mg before each feeding (follow product instructions) | Reduces gas bubbles in gut; commonly used though evidence mixed | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Fennel Extract | Amount listed: Fennel tea or extract per pediatric product instructions | Traditional remedy; may reduce intestinal spasms; some evidence for reducing colic symptoms | Not graded yet | |
Confirmed studies for Fennel Extract (titles as PubMed lists them) | ||||
| Chamomile | Amount listed: Per pediatric product instructions (gripe water formulas) | Traditional calming herb; may reduce intestinal spasms; often combined with fennel | Not graded yet | |
| Lactase Drops | Amount listed: Per product instructions before feeds | May help if lactose intolerance contributing; breaks down lactose in breast milk or formula | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin D (for mother if breastfeeding) | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily for breastfeeding mother | Some research suggests vitamin D may help with colic; maternal supplementation benefits breast milk | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Infant colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically starts around 2-3 weeks of age and usually resolves by 3-4 months. Colic affects about 10-25% of infants.
IMPORTANT: Colic is NOT harmful to the baby long-term, but it is extremely stressful for parents.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
- Vomiting (especially projectile or bilious)
- Blood in stool
- Fever
- Poor weight gain
- Rashes or other symptoms
- Inconsolable crying that seems different from usual
POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
- Immature digestive system
- Gas and intestinal discomfort
- Cow's milk protein allergy/sensitivity
- Maternal diet (if breastfeeding)
- Gut microbiome development
- Overstimulation
NON-SUPPLEMENT STRATEGIES:
- Gentle motion (rocking, car rides, swings)
- White noise
- Swaddling
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Pacifier use
- Smaller, more frequent feeds
- Burping during and after feeds
- Maternal diet elimination (dairy, caffeine) if breastfeeding
- Formula change (hydrolyzed formula if milk protein allergy suspected)
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938* is the most studied probiotic for colic. Multiple RCTs show it reduces crying time, especially in breastfed infants.
Fennel* has traditional use for infant digestive discomfort and some clinical evidence.
Simethicone* is commonly used for gas but evidence is mixed.
Expected timeline: Probiotics may show benefit within 1-2 weeks. Colic typically resolves by 3-4 months regardless of treatment.