Educating parents about infantile colic and the gastrointestinal microbiome.

Infantile colic can be distressing for infants, parents, and providers. Infants with colic display prolonged periods of inconsolable crying. This creates stress in families at a critical time in bonding and development. Furthermore, colic does not have a known etiology or standard treatment outside of reassurance and coping strategies for parents. The etiology of colic is likely multifactorial; however, recent evidence has demonstrated a relationship between colic and the gastrointestinal microbiome. The purpose of this article is to summarize the available information about colic's link to the gastrointestinal microbiome so that providers can equip parents with the knowledge and skills to care for their infant with colic appropriately.