Excessive Crying in Infancy

Abstract

Excessive crying in infants in the first months of life generally exerts considerable strain on both parents and infant. In many cases, symptoms are self-limiting and have no permanent effect on the further development of the infant or on the parents’ relationship to their child. However, clinical samples showed that, in 60 % of cases, crying escalates in the first few months of life, persists beyond the first developmental spurts, extends to other areas of behavioral regulation, and, particularly in families with low psychosocial resources, ultimately can contribute to an increased risk of the infant’s further cognitive and socioemotional development. The present chapter highlights the possibilities of the diagnostic process and early support for parents and infants.