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Colic and the early crying curve: A developmental account

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 February 2005

Debra M. Zeifman*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY12604

Abstract:

The hypothesis that excessive early infant crying evolved to reduce the risk of withdrawal of parental care is disputed on the grounds that excessive infant crying is irritating and imposes fitness losses rather than gains. Alternative explanations for the early crying curve that take into account development on the part of the infant and the emerging infant-caregiver bond are proposed.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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