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Infantile colic: maternal smoking as potential risk factor
S A Reijneveld1, E Brugman, R A Hirasing
1Netherlands Organisation of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Institute of Prevention and Health, PO Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, Netherlands. SA.Reijneveld@pg.tno.nl
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 22, 2000
Summary
Maternal smoking is linked to a higher risk of infant colic, while breastfeeding may offer some protection. Further research is needed to understand this association in infantile crying.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Health
- Infant Development
Background:
- Infant colic, characterized by excessive crying, affects a significant number of newborns.
- Factors influencing colic prevalence, such as maternal habits and feeding type, are crucial for understanding infant well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maternal smoking and infant colic.
- To examine the impact of feeding type (breastfeeding vs. formula feeding) on colic prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A large cohort study involving 3345 infants aged 1-6 months.
- Data collected via a survey with a 96% response rate, assessing maternal smoking and infant feeding practices.
Main Results:
- Infants born to mothers who smoked showed a twofold higher prevalence of colic.
- Breastfed infants exhibited a lower prevalence of colic compared to formula-fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking appears to be a significant risk factor for infantile colic.
- Breastfeeding may have a protective effect against colic development.
- Further investigation into maternal smoking's role in excessive infant crying is warranted.