Parents' Response to Infant Crying: Contributing Factors of the Reciprocal Interaction

Abstract

Infant crying is viewed as a normal and developmental behavior expressed by infants. However, this normal behavior can also be one of the most difficult and trying times for parents. Inconsolable crying is a precipitating factor of shaken baby syndrome. This study explored parents' thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and actions in response to inconsolable infant crying. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through participant observations, a questionnaire, and field notes. The results of the analysis identified three major themes: ''I just go and pick him up'': Immediate response to crying; ''I try everything'': Attempt to get a routine; and Walking and bouncing: Utilizing movement as a coping strategy. These findings suggest a link between parental thoughts and behaviors that potentially may influence the subsequent interaction or co-occupational experience. Such thoughts and behaviors can promote healthy co-occupations and help identify risk factors for unhealthy co-occupations.

Parental perceptions and experiences of infant crying: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research

“…(Wiley et al, 2020)

I had a great support system with friends and family, so people helped and cooked meals. (Cox & Roos, 2008)

Papers that mentioned parents who did not have social support indicated that these parents struggled (Ellett et al, 2005, 2009; Kurth et al, 2014; Poskey et al, 2014).

I basically had no help; I was on the verge of quitting everything.

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“…The vast majority of included studies reported accounts of parents experiencing significant emotional impact from infant crying (Cox & Roos, 2008 ; Ellett et al, 2009 , 2005 ; Ellett & Swenson, 2005 ; Keefe & Froese‐Fuetz, 1991 ; Kurth et al, 2014 , 2010 ; Landgren & Hallstrom, 2011 ; Landgren et al, 2012 ; Levitzky & Cooper, 2000 ; Long & Johnson, 2001 ; Megel et al, 2011 ; Murray et al, 2018 ; Nash et al, 2008 ; Oaten & Miller, 2019 ; Poskey & Hersch, 2012 ; Poskey et al, 2014 ; Thompson et al, 1986 ; Wade et al, 2005 ; Wiley et al, 2020 ). The two included studies where this subtheme did not emerge focussed specifically on soothing techniques (Drummond et al, 1993 ) and dietary restrictions resulting from infant colic (Kidd et al, 2019 ).…”

“…A common response was to pick the baby up when they were crying. Some papers also reported participants doing basic checks to interpret the reason for the crying or systematically working through potential soothing techniques to stop the crying (Cox & Roos, 2008;Drummond et al, 1993;Keefe & Froese-Fuetz, 1991;Kurth et al, 2014Kurth et al, , 2010Landgren & Hallström, 2011;Megel et al, 2011;Murray et al, 2018;Poskey & Hersch, 2012;Poskey et al, 2014;Thompson et al, 1986;Wade et al, 2005;Wiley et al, 2020). Other approaches to soothe a crying baby were feeding, auditory interventions such as singing or white noise and the use of movement (Drummond et al, 1993;Ellett et al, 2009;Keefe & Froese-Fuetz, 1991;Kidd et al, 2019;Kurth et al, 2014Kurth et al, , 2010Landgren & Hallström, 2011;Megel et al, 2011;Murray et al, 2018;Poskey & Hersch, 2012;Poskey et al, 2014;Wade et al, 2005).…”

“…Participants in the majority of studies discussed the importance of social support for managing infant crying (Cox & Roos, 2008 I had a great support system with friends and family, so people helped and cooked meals. (Cox & Roos, 2008) Papers that mentioned parents who did not have social support indicated that these parents struggled (Ellett et al, , 2009Kurth et al, 2014;Poskey et al, 2014).…”

The parenting occupations and purposes conceptual framework: A scoping review of ‘doing’ parenting

“…For example, providing emotional support and stability meets multiple needs. It corresponds with the child's need to be happy , and also to be safe , as the child gains a sense of emotional security (Morozini, 2015; Poskey et al, 2014; Poskey & Hersch, 2012). These contribute to the child's need to be healthy , with short‐term effects such as settling down to sleep (Evans & Rodger, 2008; Olson, 2004), as well as long‐term implications on the child's psychological wellbeing (Weiber et al, 2018).…”