Please tell me what causes colics in babies, and is it hereditary?

We don't know: Colic is not hereditary...But it can be seen in families. My understanding is that it deals with the immaturity of the digestive system and therefore inability to digest well. Probiotics can help immensely as can gripe water or colic calm or cocyntal. So can craniosacral therapy and or chiropractic. Chinese medicine and homeopathy also work. I have had success with all of them!