Prevalence, comorbidity and factors associated with sleeping, crying and feeding problems at 1 month of age: A community‐based survey. (12th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cook, Fallon; Mensah, Fiona; Bayer, Jordana K; Hiscock, Harriet
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 55:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 644
• Page End: 651
• Publication Date: 2018-10-12
• Subjects: comorbidity -- crying -- feeding -- regulatory problems -- sleeping; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14262
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To examine, in a community cohort of healthy one‐month‐old infants, (i) the prevalence of early infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems; (ii) the extent to which they co‐exist; and (iii) infant and mother characteristics associated with each problem alone and with comorbid problems. Methods: A survey at 4 weeks of infant age examined the presence of infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems (yes/no); parenting self‐efficacy; rating of self as a tense person; and doubts about parenting at bedtime. Results: A total of 770 mothers (39% of those approached) with a total of 781 infants (11 twins) took part. Infant sleeping, crying and feeding problems were reported by 38.5, 27.4 and 25.2% of mothers, respectively. On comorbidity, 25.5% reported one problem, 20.5% reported two and 7.3% reported all three problems. Mothers of first‐born infants reported more crying problems and comorbid problems. Mothers who described themselves as a 'tense person' reported more infant feeding problems. Maternal doubt and low self‐efficacy were consistently associated with each type of infant problem and comorbid problems (adjusting for other factors). Conclusion: Mothers expressing doubt and low parenting self‐efficacy may benefit from additional support and guidance on normal infant behaviour.