Periodic fussiness at the end of the day is to be expected from every baby. But when that crying reaches three hours a day for three days or more per week, experts say a baby has colic. This incessant crying can be a challenge for even the most experienced parent. Experts believe that colic has something to do with babies' supersensitivity—possibly due to their immature nervous systems or an overly reactive intestinal tract producing a lot of gas. A few infants with colic may be reacting to milk protein, and changing to an extensively hydrolyzed protein-based formula is a way to bring some relief. A few other techniques:

• Carry baby during the day, when the crying isn't as bad. Research shows that doing so will make early evening crying spells shorter.
• Try burping your baby during and after each feeding.
• Infant massage can help a baby expel gas, as can holding baby stomach-down along your arm, with legs and arms dangling.