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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BREAST-FEEDING, CO-SLEEPING, AND SOMATIC COMPLAINTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Elisabeth Maria Peters1, Joanne Marie Lusher2, Samantha Banbury1

  • 1London Metropolitan University.

Infant Mental Health Journal
|August 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Co-sleeping in early childhood is linked to more somatic complaints and sleep issues, while breastfeeding is associated with fewer somatic complaints. Boys experienced more sleep problems than girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Development
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Limited research exists on the interplay between breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and childhood somatic complaints.
  • Understanding these relationships is crucial for early childhood health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and somatic complaints in children aged 18-60 months.
  • To explore the relationship between co-sleeping and sleep problems in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • An opportunity sample of 98 parents completed questionnaires on child somatic complaints, sleep problems, breastfeeding, and co-sleeping habits.
  • Data were analyzed to identify correlations between the variables.

Main Results:

  • Co-sleeping showed a significant association with increased somatic complaints and sleep problems.
  • Breastfeeding was associated with decreased somatic complaints.
  • Boys reported higher levels of sleep problems compared to girls.

Conclusions:

  • Co-sleeping in early childhood is linked to adverse outcomes, including somatic complaints and sleep disturbances.
  • Breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect against somatic complaints.
  • Findings suggest potential targets for intervention and prevention strategies for childhood sleep and somatic issues.

Keywords:
Co-SleepingSchlafproblemeStillenallaitementamamantarbreast-feedingco-dormirco-sleepingdormir ensemble avec les parentsearly childhoodfrühe Kindheitpetite enfanceplaintes somatiquesproblemas de dormirproblèmes de sommeilquejas somáticassleep problemssomatic complaintssomatische Beschwerdentemprana niñez共同睡眠幼兒期早期児童期母乳哺育母乳喂養添い寝睡眠の問題睡眠問題身体的不調の訴え軀體問題

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