1. Problem crying in infancy.
Up to 20% of parents report a problem with infant crying or irritability in the first 3 months of life. Crying usually peaks at 6 weeks and abates by 12-16 weeks. For most irritable infants, there is no underlying medical cause. In a minority, the cause is cow's milk and other food allergy. Only if frequent vomiting (about five times a day) occurs is gastro-oesophageal reflux a likely cause. It is important to assess the mother-infant relationship and maternal fatigue, anxiety and depression. Management of excessive crying includes: explaining babies' normal crying and sleeping patterns; helping parents help their baby deal with discomfort and distress through a baby-centred approach; helping parents recognise when their baby is tired and apply a consistent approach to settling their baby; encouraging parents to accept help from friends and family, and to simplify household tasks. If they are unable to manage their baby's crying, admission to a parenting centre (day stay or overnight stay) or local hospital should be arranged.
Hiscock
Harriet
H
Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia. harriet.hiscock@rch.org.au
Jordan
Brigid
B
D000465:Algorithms; D015984:Causality; D003448:Crying / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003663:Decision Trees; D005414:Flatulence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007255:Information Services; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000502:physiology; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012944:Social Support