Relationships between breast ‐feeding, co‐sleeping, and somatic complaints in early childhood

ABSTRACT The central aim of this study was to expand a limited body of knowledge on the complex relationship between breast‐feeding, co‐sleeping, and somatic complaints in early childhood. An opportunity sample of 98 parents from the general population with children aged 18 to 60 months consented to participate in the study. Each parent completed a series of questionnaires measuring somatic complaints, sleep problems, co‐sleeping, breast‐feeding, and demographic factors. Findings indicated that co‐sleeping was associated with increased somatic complaints and that breast‐feeding associated with decreased somatic complaints. Co‐sleeping also was found to be associated with an increase in sleep problems. Boys demonstrated significantly higher levels of sleep problems than did girls. These findings highlight the relationship between co‐sleeping during early childhood, which could have implications for prevention, treatment, and intervention regarding somatic complaints and sleep problems in early childhood. RESUMEN La meta central de este estudio fue expandir un limitado cuerpo de conocimiento acerca de la compleja relación entre amamantar, co‐dormir y las quejas somáticas en la temprana niñez. Un grupo oportuno de 98 progenitores proveniente de la población en general, con niños de edad entre 18 y 60 meses, consintió en participar en el estudio. Cada progenitor completó una serie de cuestionarios para medir las quejas somáticas, los problemas de dormir...
Source: Infant Mental Health Journal - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: ARTICLE Source Type: research