What is a characteristic of excessive crying in infants that occurs without apparent cause?

Excessive crying in infants that occurs without any apparent cause is characteristic of colic. Colic is defined as prolonged, inconsolable crying that typically happens in otherwise healthy infants, often beginning in the first few weeks of life and commonly resolving by three to four months of age. The crying usually occurs in bouts, often in the late afternoon or evening, and can last for several hours.

Unlike normal crying, which is a common and expected behavior as a means of communication for hunger, discomfort, or tiredness, colic does not appear to be related to these typical triggers. It is specifically termed "excessive" because it surpasses what is considered typical for an infant's developmental stage and occurs without an identifiable reason.

Developmental crying refers to variations in crying patterns that are typical during certain stages of growth, which does not unveil the same severity or inconsolability seen in colic. Predictable crying is associated with specific needs the infant is expressing, such as hunger or fatigue, which again differs from the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of colic.

Understanding colic as a distinct phenomenon helps caregivers recognize that the crying may not be a reflection of a serious underlying health issue and can guide them in coping strategies during challenging