Problems of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy: a general population study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Problems of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy

T2 - a general population study

AU - Olsen, Anne Lise

AU - Ammitzbøll, Janni

AU - Olsen, Else Marie

AU - Skovgaard, Anne Mette

PY - 2019/11/1

Y1 - 2019/11/1

N2 - OBJECTIVE: To study regulatory problems (RPs) of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy, and explore the influence of maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems.DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were collected in the general child health surveillance delivered to infant families by community health nurses (CHNs). Information on CHNs' assessments and conclusions were obtained on 2598 infants and merged with data from national registers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to study RPs in early and late infancy, and the influences due to child, family and parent-child relationship problems.RESULTS: Combined RPs (C-RPs), defined as two or more simultaneous problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying, was identified in 2.9% and 8.6% of the population between age 2-6 and 8-11 months, respectively. Low maternal schooling and immigrant parents were associated with an increased risk of late C-RPs, but RPs in early infancy stand out as the main predictor of late C-RPs OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.6), and the effect of early maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems seem to be mediated by early C-RPs.CONCLUSIONS: Combined problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying may exist throughout infancy independently of exposures to maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. The results indicate that infants with RPs exceeding age 2 months need special attention, in clinical as well as community settings. Suggested intervention includes specific guidance to the parents to help them understand and regulate their infant's sensitivity and reactions.

AB - OBJECTIVE: To study regulatory problems (RPs) of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy, and explore the influence of maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems.DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were collected in the general child health surveillance delivered to infant families by community health nurses (CHNs). Information on CHNs' assessments and conclusions were obtained on 2598 infants and merged with data from national registers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to study RPs in early and late infancy, and the influences due to child, family and parent-child relationship problems.RESULTS: Combined RPs (C-RPs), defined as two or more simultaneous problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying, was identified in 2.9% and 8.6% of the population between age 2-6 and 8-11 months, respectively. Low maternal schooling and immigrant parents were associated with an increased risk of late C-RPs, but RPs in early infancy stand out as the main predictor of late C-RPs OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.6), and the effect of early maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems seem to be mediated by early C-RPs.CONCLUSIONS: Combined problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying may exist throughout infancy independently of exposures to maternal mental health problems and parent-child relationship problems. The results indicate that infants with RPs exceeding age 2 months need special attention, in clinical as well as community settings. Suggested intervention includes specific guidance to the parents to help them understand and regulate their infant's sensitivity and reactions.

U2 - 10.1136/archdischild-2019-316851

DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2019-316851

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 31270094

SN - 0003-9888

VL - 104

SP - 1034

EP - 1041

JO - Archives of Disease in Childhood

JF - Archives of Disease in Childhood

IS - 11

ER -