Final answer:
Colic in infants is characterized by episodes of loud crying and signs of abdominal discomfort in otherwise healthy babies. It is not caused by poor parenting, and typically resolves by 3-4 months of age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes colic to parents who are inquiring as to whether their infant is experiencing this condition is: "Infants with colic have paroxysmal abdominal pain or cramping manifested by episodes of loud crying." This phenomenon typically occurs in infants and involves intense and extended crying sessions in a baby who is otherwise healthy. These crying episodes can be distressing for parents, as the baby may appear to be in significant discomfort with no apparent cause.
Colic often occurs in the first few months of life, and while the exact cause is not known, it is not usually due to poor parenting or mothering. Colic usually resolves on its own by the time the baby is 3-4 months old. Parents should be reassured that while colic is challenging to deal with, it is a common and often temporary condition in infancy.