Will my fussy baby have problems later in life?


As a mom who has experienced colic, I am well-aware of the affects this temperament can have on the care-giver. Now, a study led by Beth Troutman, professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa shows a correlation between early fussiness and later psychiatric problems. So, should I be worried? I'm not. Other studies have also shown that parents who are responsive to their infants, who do not worry about spoiling their babies, activate healthy bonding. The biggest risk of extreme colic is not to the baby but its potential affect on the primary caregiver. And if we can leave aside political correctness for a moment, usually we are talking about the mom here, who may already be feeling vulnerable, postpartum. If the mother gets support, if the other people in the family's life work as a team, and if the parents are able to bond with the child, then I think this will help the child manage a very sensitive temperament. Plenty of attention and affection and play brings order to a baby's young life. And possibly that sensitive temperament may even turn into an asset. After all, who are our artists, our dreamers, and our innovators, other than people who are more perceptive about the world around them? Did you have a fussy baby? How have you helped guide your child's intensity?

Candace Lindemann

Children's Author & Education Consultant

Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. You can also find Candace blogging at http://NaturallyEducational.com. While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on-the-job training.