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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.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|March 1, 1990
Summary
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.