Upset babies more likely to face problems later

BABIES who persistently cry and those who have difficulties with sleeping or feeding are more likely to develop behavioural problems in later life, a study revealed.

Researchers found that infants who experience those difficulties, known as regulatory disorders, could have an increased chance of experiencing conditions such as ADHD.

Scientists from Warwick University worked with colleagues at the University of Basel, Switzerland, and the University of Bochum, Germany, to analyse 22 studies — carried out between 1987 and 2006 — looking at a possible link between the issues.

They found the more types of regulatory disorder suffered by a child, the higher their risk of later having behavioural problems.

The authors said in the study: “Regulatory problems in infancy can increase the likelihood of developing behaviour problems in childhood.

“Our findings highlight the need for prospective follow-up studies of regulatory disturbed infants and require reliable assessments of crying, sleeping or feeding problems.

“The evidence from this systematic review suggests that those with persisting regulatory problems in families with other problems may require early interventions to minimise or prevent the long-term consequences of infant regulatory problems.”