Could a higher level of tummy-friendly bacteria make a difference to a colicky baby? In two separate studies involving babies with colic (one study done in 2007, the other in 2010) some breastfed infants were given simethicone, a medication that reduces gas; other infants were given a supplement containing L. reuteri, one of the beneficial bacteria known as probiotics often found in yogurt.
At the end of the 2007 study, the babies who received the probiotic cried about 51 minutes a day, compared with about two-and-a-half hours in the other group. The 2010 study had similar results. Most experts say they want to see more studies before reaching conclusions. Bring your own questions to your pediatrician.
