Murdoch Institute research shows child behaviour, family wellbeing not affected by colic by age 2

A MURDOCH Children’s Research Institute study has found babies with colic who stop their frequent bouts of crying after three months have no ongoing problems as a toddler.

GOOD news for parents with newborns who cry a lot — there is light at the end of the tunnel if they can get through those first tough months.

New research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found that babies with colic who stop their bouts of crying after three months have no ongoing problems once they are toddlers.

And there was no difference in the mental health of parents, or in levels of family dysfunction, between those with colicky babies and those whose children did not cry a lot.

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One in five babies experience colic — the medical definition for excessive, frequent crying in the first 3-4 months in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy and fed.

It is a known risk factor for post-natal depression, early stopping of breast feeding and child abuse.

Colic is a risk factor for post-natal depression and child abuse.

The MCRI team analysed data from two groups of 281 Melbourne infants — one group whose colic resolved and the other who experienced no excessive crying — and were followed up at six months and 2-3 years of age.

Lead researcher, Royal Children’s Hospital paediatrician Dr Georgie Bell, said overseas studies had offered conflicting evidence over the lasting impacts of colic.

But she said the strength of the Melbourne research was that it included only true colic babies, and not just excessive criers beyond three months.

And the researchers had compared families in similar regions of Melbourne.

“It’s good as a paediatrician to be able to say; ‘I know this is really hard right now, but if you can hang in there we know things are going to get better and not lead to long-term problems’,” Dr Bell said.

The findings were published Wednesday in the Journal of Pediatrics.

The MCRI team looked at data from hundreds of Melbourne infants.

After enjoying a “perfect” first baby, Nicole Muscat’s second born, Oliver, suffered colic, feeding issues and was inconsolable most of the day.

Ms Muscat sought help from PANDA — Peri-natal Anxiety and Depression Australia — which lead her to an admission in a mother-and-baby unit.

She credits that step for her now being able to relish her role as a mum.

“At the time you don’t know if it’s ever going to end. But it will end,” Ms Muscat said.

“My boy is sleeping and eating fine now, with no developmental issues,” she said.

Oliver is now 20 months.

New and expecting mums and dads can contact the PANDA national helpline on 1300 726 306.

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