Foot reflexology was performed to the reflexology group infants. Foot reflexology application (FRA) involved relaxation for the first 3-5 minutes and the last 2 minutes; the remaining 12-15 minutes included stimulation of the brain and digestive system organs. To ensure relaxation, rotation was performed by using the thumbs of the hand under the feet, cephalocaudally. The session of FRA included stimulating the brain and medulla spinalis (2 min), the solar plexus (1min), the stomach (2min), the liver (2min), the pancreas (2min), the gallbladder (1min), and the ileocecal valve and intestine (5min) reflex points. Application was performed on all infants twice a week, for a total of four times during two consecutive weeks. Between two consecutive applications, a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 5 days was allotted (Stone, 2011). A total of 6 follow-ups were performed during the study period.

Placebo foot reflexology was performed to the placebo group infants. Placebo foot reflexology application (PFRA) was constrained to ineffective touch without any stimulation and pressure. The aim of the PFRA was to create only a touch effect. It was applied by patted the foot by using the thumbs of the hand, for 20 minutes with the same rotation and to the same points as FRA. Application was performed on all infants twice a week, for a total of four times during two consecutive weeks. Between two consecutive applications, a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 5 days was allotted (Stone, 2011). A total of 6 follow-ups were performed during the study period.

Reflexology is one of the complementary health approaches; it is based on systematic pressure and stimulation with fingers to energy points in feet and hands and is a topic nowadays studied. Reflexology argues that the reflex maps in the hands and feet with all of the parts of the body are in contact. The pressure applied to each point stimulates the circulation of blood and energy like a sensor, gives a sense of relaxation, provides homeostasis. With a touch that is a different way of communication with children, is supported to create physical awareness via reflexology techniques, and is provided healthy nutrition of the stimulated tissue.

Ellet et al. (2002) developed a Likert-type scale to determine the factors causing colic and to diagnose colic. The scale consists of 5 sub-dimensions and 22 items. Sub-dimensions include 'Cow's Milk/Soy Protein Allergy/Intolerance', 'Immature Gastrointestinal System', 'Immature Central Nervous System', 'Difficult Infant Temperament', and 'Parent-Infant Interaction + Problem Infant'. These headings include factors affecting the infant's colic, such as sleep characteristics, consolability, features of crying, infant mood, and parent-infant interaction. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was .69 (Ellett et al., 2003). Cetinkaya and Başbakkal (2007) tested the validity and reliability of the scale for the Turkish population and reported Cronbach's α to be .73 (Cetinkaya & Basbakkal, 2007). In this study, it was determined to be .65.

The FLACC scale developed by Merkel et al. in 1997 is used to help determine the level of pain in infants and children. The parameters of scale include infant 'Facial expressions, Leg movements, Activities, Crying, and Consolability' (Voepel-Lewis, Shayevitz, & Malviya, 1997). The maximum score of this scale is ten, shows the highest pain. On the other hands; the minimum score is zero, shows that no pain. Şenaylı et al. (2006) reported that the scale could be used in Turkish population (Şenaylı, Özkan, Şenaylı, & Bıçakçı, 2006).

Crying follow-up form was prepared by the researcher to determine the duration of crying in infants. Colic crying differs from ordinary crying as it is louder than normal and inconsolable. It occurs usually suddenly and takes several consecutive hours (Helseth, 2002). Based on this information, when crying ended, parents were asked to record crying times over half an hour, with start and end times. The form required hourly recording by the parents for two weeks.

Sleeping follow-up form was prepared by the researcher to determine the duration of sleeping in infants. The form required hourly recording by the parents for two weeks.