Transition to What? New Parents' Problems in the First Year

Using a combined longitudinal, cross-sectional design 184 new families with firstborn infants were asked to describe their problems, concerns and needs at 3, 6, 9 andlor 12 months after the birth of their child. While infant illness was the single most frequently reported problem throughout the first year, infant crying, feeding and nutrition concerns and parent-centered problems such as role conflicts were significant concerns. The latter require particular attention since existing formal and informal support services were not viewed as satisfying these needs. Working mothers and those with difficult infants were more likely to report problems. Implications for educators and those in the health and social services are discussed.