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Crying, feeding and sleeping patterns in 1 to 12-month-old infants
K Michelsson1, A Rinne, S Paajanen
12nd Department of Pediatrics, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Infant sleep duration increases and crying time decreases with age. Mothers of first-born babies more frequently sought help for infant crying or night waking.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infant Development
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Understanding typical infant crying, feeding, and sleeping patterns is crucial for assessing development and maternal well-being.
- Variations in these patterns can cause parental stress and necessitate support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the crying, feeding, and sleeping patterns of infants aged 0-12 months.
- To identify factors associated with mothers seeking help for infant-related issues.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire study of 270 infants (0-12 months) using a 24-hour schedule.
- Data collected from mothers at four well-baby clinics in Finland between 1987-1988.
Main Results:
- Infant sleep duration averaged 15.2 hours/day for <3 months old, decreasing to 13.4 hours/day for >9 months old.
- Average crying time decreased from 1.6 hours/day in the youngest group to 1.1 hours/day in the oldest.
- 23 mothers sought help for excessive crying or night waking; first-born infants were more common in this group.
Conclusions:
- Infant sleep and crying patterns show significant age-related changes.
- Maternal perception of infant crying and need for support are influenced by factors such as birth order.
Abstract:
The crying, feeding and sleeping patterns of 270 infants 0-12 months old were studied using a 24-hour schedule included in a questionnaire given to mothers visiting four well-baby clinics in Finland in 1987-88. Of these infants 78 were under 3, 84 were 3-5, 65 were 6-8 and 43 were over 9 months old. The results showed that the infants less than 3 months old slept on average 15.2 hours per day, whereas those over 9 months slept 13.4 hours. The sleeping periods were longer at night. Continuous night-time sleep for at least 6 hours was noted in 35% of the infants under 3 months old and the proportion increased to 72% by the age of 9-12 months. The youngest infants were fed on average 6-7 times per day at 2- to 3-hour intervals in the daytime and at 4- to 6-hour intervals at night. The number of feedings decreased slightly with age. The average total crying time decreased from 1.6 hours per day for the youngest group to 1.1 hours for the 9-12 months old. At the time of the study, 23 mothers felt the need for help because of excessive crying or night waking. The help needed ranged from information about colic and child care, help with housework or the baby and encouragement. Of the mothers who needed help, a significantly higher proportion had a first-born baby compared with those not in need of help. There were also significant differences in the mothers' perception of the cry and feelings towards it.