Multilevel modeling analysis of bottle feeding and its determinants among children 0-23 months in East Africa: evidence from recent DHS data (2015-2022).

BACKGROUND: Despite breastfeeding recommendations, the prevalence and length of breast milk feeding in developing nations is rapidly decreasing, with bottle feeding taking its place. This reduces the effectiveness of breastfeeding and is associated with diarrheal disease mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, and determinants of bottle feeding among under-two-year-old children in the region. METHODS: The ten East African countries' Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) recent data from 2015 to 2022 was used. The data were weighted using sample weights for probability sampling and nonresponse. The study used 43,150 weighted children. A multi-level logistic regression model was used, and P - values of ≤ 0.2 and < 0.05 were used to declare candidate variables in the binary, and multivariable to declare significant variables, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of bottle feeding among children under-two-years-old in East Africa was 10.08% (95% CI 9.79, 10.36), ranging from 4.04% (95% CI 3.56, 4.53) in Tanzania to 33.40% (95% CI 32.72, 34.08) in Kenya. High antenatal care communities (AOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.11, 1.35), mothers aged 25-34 years (AOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.06, 1.28), high wealth index communities (AOR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02,1.25), women who had at least one types mass media exposure (AOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.53, 1.77), women from communities with high level mass media exposure (AOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.23, 1.52), given first birth after teenage years (AOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.09, 1.26), having more than one health visit in the year (AOR 1.37; 95% CI 1.27,1.47), multiple children (AOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.22, 1.75) were associated with higher rates of bottle feeding. Whereas a primary education (AOR 0.51; 95% CI 0.47, 0.54), having 3-5 living children (AOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79, 0.95), a rural setting (AOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.49, 0.58), and a long distance from health facilities (AOR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78, 0.91) were associated with lower rates of bottle feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of bottle feeding was moderate in East African countries. Improving the availability and accessibility of health facilities to mothers, utilizing maternal healthcare, and media exposure will contribute to a significant decrease in the inappropriate bottle feeding of children in East Africa.

Infant Oral Candidiasis and Bottle Cleaning Methods: A Descriptive Study.

As manufacturers produce bottles with additional parts, such as an anticolic straw, cleaning time increases. Increased cleaning time potentially decreases cleaning effectiveness and, thus, increases the chance for thrush. This study explored the relationship between the number of bottle parts and cleaning methods for bottle-fed-only infants (<13 months) presenting with oral candidiasis. After obtaining demographic information on eligible infants (via parental consent) from the chart, caregivers of 60 infants verbally completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information about the preferred bottle for feeding, number of parts, washing frequency, washing method, drying method, sterilization frequency, and sterilization method. The χ2 test, and Fisher's exact test when necessary, was performed to examine the relationship between each reported cleaning method (washing, drying, and sterilization) compared with the number of bottle parts (≤3 or ≥4). The number of bottle parts showed no association with bottle cleaning methods (p > .05). Although there were no statistically significant relationships, trends did present that warrant investigation. Future studies to confirm recommended practices for cleaning methods and identify those at risk from demographic data could positively affect the health of bottle-fed infants by reducing the occurrence of thrush.

Effects of non-nutritive sucking habits on malocclusions: a systematic review.

The development of the craniomandibular system is guided by genetic interactions and environmental factors, including specific habits such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers. These habits can have a considerable impact on the growth of the developing jaws and can lead to malocclusion in children. This review aims to investigate potential associations between non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs) and malocclusions compared to the presence of nutritive sucking habits (NSHs). To carry out this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA protocol and performed a bibliographic search of the existing literature until April 2023 in the following electronic databases: Medline, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Embase. Out of a total of 153 records, we included 21 studies. We found that the chances of diagnosing a malocclusion were higher for children with bottle nutrition when compared to breast-fed children. Breastfeeding provides protection against malocclusions. In the same manner, persistent NNSH habits appeared to be associated with increased chances of having malocclusions. The longer the child was breastfed, the shorter the duration of the pacifier habit and the lower the risk of developing moderate/severe malocclusions. The duration of the habits has a positive influence on the appearance of occlusion defects.

Comparison of the Effect of Direct Breastfeeding, Expressed Human Milk, and Infant Formula Feeding on Infant Weight Trajectories: A Systematic Review.

Background: Formula and breastfeeding are known factors associated with infant weight trajectories. Evidence exploring the effect of expressed human milk feeding on infant weight in the community setting has not been well synthesized. Objectives: This systematic review examined (1) weight changes among infants fed expressed human milk and (2) differences in weight change between infants fed expressed human milk and infants fed at the breast or infant formula via bottle. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The quality of each study was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools. Results: A total of six studies met the eligibility criteria and included a total of 5,152 infants. The within-subject analysis identified only 31 infants strictly or predominantly fed expressed human milk. The between-subject analysis comparing expressed human milk feeding to the available comparison groups (formula-fed or direct at the breastfed) revealed that higher weight gains were observed in the weight trajectories among infants in the bottle or formula-fed conditions in four of the six included studies. Conclusions: Findings from the few studies included in this review found a difference in the infant weight gain patterns among expressed human milk-fed infants when compared with their respective feeding groups (directly breastfed or formula-fed). Further research is needed to corroborate these findings and elucidate the clinical significance of the differences in weight gain patterns observed across infant feeding groups.

Infant and young child feeding practices in refugee settings across 203 population-based surveys from 2013-2019.

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) plays a crucial role in early childhood growth and development. This study summarizes recent IYCF practices in multiple refugee settings and compares them to those in the host countries. We analyzed 203 surveys conducted among refugees residing in 15 countries and 120 unique sites and assessed eight IYCF indicators available from those surveys. A total of 146 surveys were conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and 50 in Western and Central Africa (WCA) regions. The median prevalence across surveys of all four indicators describing intake of breast milk was relatively high: 96.6% for ever breastfed, 81.2% for initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth, 76.9% for exclusive breastfeeding 0-5 months, and 75.0% for continued breastfeeding 12-23 months. The median prevalence of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding was markedly higher in ESA than in WCA (85.0% vs. 37.5% and 83.5% vs. 56.1%, respectively). Conversely, the overall median prevalence of timely introduction of solid and semisolid foods and flesh food consumption was low: 51.8% and 16.1%, respectively. Flesh food consumption was higher in WCA than in ESA (27.4% vs. 11.6%). The median prevalence of mixed milk feeding at 0-5 months and bottle feeding was very low: 2.4% and 3.8%, respectively. Indicators describing breast milk intake were generally either similar or higher in refugees than in the host country populations, whereas the other indicators were generally higher in the host populations than in refugees. The low prevalence of timely introduction of solids and of flesh food consumption in refugees is concerning and requires substantial improvement.

Trends and associated factors of bottle-feeding in Turkey: dramatic change over the last three decades under the limited implemented code.

The study aimed to examine the trends and associated factors of bottle-feeding among children aged 0-35 months. Data covering 11,205 mother-child pairs, from six recent Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHSs) were analyzed by using complex sample crosstabs and logistic regression. Bottle-feeding was on an upward trend from 33.0% to 51.5% from 1993 to 2013 and fell slightly 47.9% in 2018. Increasing trends of bottle-feeding were found in children aged 6-35 months, the East region, lower wealth index, maternal education under 5 years, Kurdish mothers, and the low antenatal care attendance. Multivariate analysis using data from TDHS-2018 showed that young maternal age, low birth weight and being 6-23 months of age were associated with higher rates of bottle-feeding. The prolonged bottle-feeding became widespread, and the bottle-feeding was common even in 35-month-old children. Interventions by the Government and stakeholders to minimize low rates of bottle-feeding should focus on high-risk groups.

Feeding characteristics of healthy infants without reported feeding impairments throughout the first month of life.

OBJECTIVE: Elucidate characteristics of feeding performance in healthy infants without reported feeding problems throughout the first month of life. STUDY DESIGN: Feeding was monitored in 61 healthy infants by caregiver report for 48 h a week from birth to 4 weeks old. Outcomes included feeding modality, how much they consumed, how long the feed lasted, and how many coughing episodes the infant exhibited. Data were analyzed with descriptive and non-parametric statistics. RESULT: The majority of infants (68%) exhibited at least one problematic feeding behavior. Infants consumed 68 ml/feed over 20 min, though the milk volumes and feed durations were highly variable. Coughing occurred an average of 2 feeds per day. No significant change in coughing was observed throughout the first month of life (p = 0.64). Infants coughed significantly less during breast feeds than bottle feeds (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Healthy term infants exhibit what appear to be normal developmental imperfections in feeding performance throughout the first month of life.

Dual modality feeders: a group of human milk feeders with unique practices and needs.

OBJECTIVE: Dual modality feeding (DMF) - feeding human milk interchangeably from the breast and from a bottle - comes with unique practical, emotional and relational challenges, as well as support needs. Yet, there is little research that explores the experiences of individuals who use DMF in the Canadian context. The aim of this study is to explore the practices, challenges, reasons and enablers of DMF. DESIGN: Repeat, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted at 8 weeks and 22 weeks postpartum. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using a critical feminist lens. SETTING: Nova Scotia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Ten DMF mothers. RESULTS: DMF practices were influenced by a mix of social and material circumstances, including breast-feeding challenges, the involvement of support persons, finances and access to lactation support. Individuals who predominantly fed at the breast expressed milk strategically to mitigate transitory breast-feeding challenges, for convenience under specific circumstances, and to share feeding responsibilities with other caregivers for personal and practical reasons. Individuals who mainly bottle-fed did so due to long-term breast-feeding challenges or a need to return to employment. Enablers of successful DMF were consistent between the two groups and included practical, personal and relational aspects. CONCLUSIONS: DMF is a unique practice compared to feeding human milk solely from the breast or bottle. Despite the potential growing prevalence of DMF, it is currently understudied and inadequately addressed in existing support programmes in Nova Scotia. Tailored programming and public messaging are needed to support DMF families.

Use of a Supplemental Feeding Tube Device and Breastfeeding at 4 Weeks.

BACKGROUND: Mothers having difficulty breastfeeding their infants may use alternative supportive feeding methods. Although a supplemental feeding tube device is commonly used, efficacy for supporting sustained breastfeeding remains unknown. PURPOSE: To describe supplemental feeding tube device use by breastfeeding mothers as an alternative feeding method through exploration of associations between supplemental feeding tube device use and continued breastfeeding at 4 weeks of infant's age. METHOD: Forty mothers participated. They were interviewed during the birth hospitalization and at 4 weeks postpartum. Questions addressed use of supplemental feeding tube devices, breastfeeding issues, and continued breastfeeding relationships. We examined the relationship between LATCH scores at 2 to 3 days of life. RESULTS: Breastfeeding mothers who chose to supplement with bottle-feeding instead of use of a supplemental feeding tube device were 30% less likely to continue breastfeeding at a medium/high/exclusive level. CONCLUSION: Use of the supplemental feeding tube device may help avoid the potentially detrimental effect of bottle-feeding on continued breastfeeding.

Comparison of the introduction of consistencies in complementary feeding introduction between preterm and full-term newborns - Cohort from 0 to 12 months. / Comparação da introdução das consistências na introdução da alimentação complementar entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo - Coorte de 0 a 12 meses.

PURPOSE: To compare the introduction of consistencies during the period of complementary feeding of preterm and full-term newborns up to 12 months of life, as well as to evaluate the presence of oral motor dysfunction and its relation to difficulty in introducing food consistencies in these groups. METHODS: This is an observational, analytical, cohort study, with ambispective data collection, carried out at the Municipal Department of Health of Mafra, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 87 newborns, 41 full-term and 46 preterm. While data was collected, interviews were held with the mothers/guardians. The anthropometric assessment was carried out by a nutritionist by measuring body weight, length, and head circumference, followed by assessment of oral and functional motor skills by the adapted Clinical Evaluation Protocol of Pediatric Dysphagia (PAD-PED), assessment of breastfeeding and neuropsychomotor development, and assessment of the presence of maternal depression and psychological risk of children with up to 12 months of corrected age. RESULTS: We verified oral motor dysfunction in 15 newborns, in both groups, in the liquid consistency in the first assessment, persisting in two cases in the full-term newborns and in three cases in the preterm infants, in the last assessment for the solid consistency. CONCLUSION: We observed no difference in the introduction of food consistencies between groups. Breastfeeding was more frequent in newborns in the first assessment and similar in other assessments. Regarding the predictors for oral motor dysfunction, bottle feeding increased the odds by about seven times and invasive oral procedures by about six times.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a introdução das consistências no período da alimentação complementar de recém-nascidos prematuros e recém-nascidos a termo até os 12 meses de vida, bem como avaliar a presença de disfunção motora oral e a sua relação com dificuldade na introdução das consistências alimentares nestes grupos. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo observacional, analítico, coorte, com coleta de dados ambispectiva, realizado na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Mafra - SC. A amostra do estudo foi constituída de 87 recém-nascidos, sendo 41 a termo e 46 prematuros. Na coleta de dados, foram realizadas entrevistas com as mães/responsáveis. A avaliação antropométrica foi realizada por nutricionista por meio de mensuração do peso corporal, comprimento e perímetro cefálico, seguida de avaliação das habilidades motoras orais e funcionais por meio do PAD-PED adaptado, avaliação da mamada, avaliação do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, avaliação da presença de depressão materna e risco psíquico da criança, até os 12 meses de vida de idade corrigida. RESULTADOS: A disfunção motora oral foi observada em 15 recém-nascidos, em ambos os grupos, na consistência líquida na primeira avaliação, persistiu em dois casos nos recém-nascidos a termo e em três casos nos recém-nascidos pré-termo, na última avaliação para a consistência sólida. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada diferença na introdução das consistências alimentares entre os grupos. O aleitamento materno foi mais frequente nos a termo na primeira avaliação e semelhante nas demais avaliações. Com relação aos preditivos para disfunção motora oral, a mamadeira aumentou a chance em cerca de 7 vezes e procedimentos orais invasivos cerca de 6 vezes.

Exploring the interaction of viscosity and nipple design on feeding performance in an infant pig model.

Infant feeding behaviors are modulated via sensorimotor feedback, such that sensory perturbations can significantly impact performance. Properties of the nipple and milk (e.g., nipple hole size and viscosity) are critical sources of sensory information. However, the direct effects of varying milk and nipple properties on infant motor output and the subsequent changes in feeding performance are poorly understood. In this study, we use an infant pig model to explore the interaction between nipple hole size and milk viscosity. Using high-speed videofluoroscopy and electromyography, we measured key performance metrics including sucks per swallow and suck duration, then synchronized these data with the onset and offset of activity of jaw opening and closing muscles. The combination of a small nipple hole and thick milk resulted in negative effects on both suck and swallow performance, with reduced feeding efficiency compared to the other treatments. It also appears that this combination of viscosity and hole size disrupts the coordination between correlates of tongue and jaw movements. We did not see a difference in feeding efficiency between viscosities when infants fed on the large-hole nipple, which may be the result of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. Our results emphasize the importance of considering both fluid and nipple properties when considering alterations to an infant's feeding system.

Establishing Normative Values for Healthy Term Infant Feeding Performance: Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool-Mixed, Oral Feeding Scale, and Early Feeding Skills Assessment.

PURPOSE: Infants with perceived feeding problems are frequently referred for assessment of their feeding abilities. However, little is known regarding how healthy nondysphagic infants perform on commonly used assessments, making determination of impairment difficult. The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the characteristics of healthy term infant feeding performance using three commonly employed clinical assessments: Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool-Mixed (NeoEat-Mixed), Oral Feeding Scale, and Early Feeding Skills (EFS). METHOD: In this prospective case-control study, we recruited 30 infants without feeding impairments to undergo video-monitored bottle feeds under their normal feeding conditions. Caregiver perception of infant feeding was evaluated using the NeoEat-Mixed. Milk ingestion was monitored real time using the Oral Feeding Scale for rate of milk transfer and modified proficiency as characterized by the total volume consumed out of the total volume the caregiver provided. Videos were analyzed by two speech pathologists using the EFS assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize performance. RESULTS: Participants underwent feeding monitoring at an average chronological age of 4 ± 2 months. Caregivers primarily reported normal, nonconcerning feeding patterns across all of the NeoEAT-Mixed outcomes. Infants consumed milk at an average rate of transfer of 7 ± 3 ml/min, a modified proficiency of 50 ± 21%, and achieved the highest OFS score of 4 (93%, n = 28). The majority of infants scored the best EFS score (mature-3) as it related to the absence of color changes during the feed (97%, n = 29), although commonly scored in the worst EFS score (immature-1) in their presentation of one or more compelling stress cues (63%, n = 19). CONCLUSION: Establishing healthy term infant normative values for commonly used feeding assessments is critical in accurately distinguishing infants with feeding impairments from those with normal developmental variants.

Knowledge and Use of Paced Bottle-Feeding Among Mothers of Young Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mothers' awareness and use of paced bottle-feeding (PBF) and to investigate whether the use of PBF was associated with maternal characteristics and infant feeding practices. METHODS: Cross-sectional, online survey. Participants were mothers of infants < 12 months of age (n = 197). Participants self-reported their awareness and use of PBF, demographic characteristics, and infant feeding practices. RESULTS: Of the 41% of participants who indicated they had or maybe had heard of PBF, 23% used PBF and 35% sometimes used PBF. Use of PBF was not associated with mother or infant characteristics. Participants who used PBF were significantly less likely to encourage their infant to finish the bottle (odds ratio, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.79). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Paced bottle-feeding was associated with lower likelihood of one dimension of pressuring feeding practices, encouraging infant bottle-emptying. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PBF in promoting healthy feeding outcomes.

Exploring Alternative Methods to Reduce Milk Flow Rate From Infant Bottle Systems: Bottle Angle, Milk Volume, and Bottle Ventilation.

PURPOSE: Modifying milk flow rate is a common pediatric dysphagia treatment. Though past investigations have demonstrated how this can be achieved using bottle nipples, little is known about the impact of other bottle modifications. The objective of this investigation is to demonstrate how bottle vent, bottle position, and volume of milk alter bottle pressures and milk flow. METHOD: A Dr. Brown's bottle filled with formula was secured to a retort stand and inverted to allow milk to free flow from a Level 1 nipple. Milk flow rate and bottle pressures were calculated under three conditions: (a) with and without a vent in place; (b) with varying volumes of milk (1-4 oz); and (c) in horizontal, semi-inverted, and completely inverted positions. Differences between flow rates under the conditions were tested using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Upon inversion, milk dripped from both vented and unvented bottles. Dripping continued throughout the 20-min testing period in the vented bottle; however, as air pressure and hydrostatic pressure declined (p < .01) in the unvented bottle, milk flow slowed and eventually ceased (p < .001). As angle of bottle inversion increased, hydrostatic pressure and milk flow rate had corresponding increases as well (p < .001). Hydrostatic pressure increased an average of 1.4 ± 0.12 mm Hg per additional ounce of formula that was added to the bottle, with corresponding increases in milk flow rate observed (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Milk flow rate can be altered by feeding conditions outside of bottle nipples alone. Future work examining the clinical significance of these modifications is warranted to determine optimal interventions.

Effects of Kangaroo Care on the development of oral skills and achievement of exclusive oral feeding in preterm infants.

PURPOSE: analyze the effects of hospitalization in the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (UCINCa), the second stage of the Kangaroo Care (KC), on the development of oral feeding skills in preterm neonates. METHODS: an analytical observational study of the prospective longitudinal type, carried out in a public hospital in Southern Brazil, where infants were accompanied until hospital discharge. The sample consisted of 20 preterm neonates hospitalized at the UCINCa and 26 preterm neonates at the Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (UCINCo), that were periodically evaluated through the levels of oral skill, in a bottle, according to the criteria of proficiency and milk transfer rate. The outcomes considered were a progression of the oral skill level, days of transition to obtain the full oral route, and days of hospital stay. RESULTS: the duration of transition to exclusive oral feeding was shorter for preterm neonates at the UCINCa (4.5 vs. 10 days) relative to those at the UCINCo (p = 0.041). By the third assessment, all preterm neonates at the UCINCa had reached level 4, while participants at the UCINCo only achieved this level of performance on the fifth assessment. The average number of days of hospitalization was four days shorter in UCINCa participants (p=0.098). CONCLUSION: the admission to the UCINCa had been a further acceleration in the maturation of oral skills, which allowed for a faster transition to exclusive oral feeding as compared to neonates admitted in UCINCo.

Infant Bottle-Feeding: A Prospective Study of Infant Physiology and Parental Report Metrics.

The aim of this study was to examine associations between parent reports of bottle-feeding behaviors and infant non-nutritive suck (NNS) on a pacifier as well as oral feeding skills during bottle-feeding. A prospective study was conducted. Full-term infants with no prior diagnosed feeding disorders were recruited at 3-months. Parents reported their infant's bottle-feeding behaviors using the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool-Bottle-Feeding (NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding), consisting of five domains: Infant Regulation, Energy and Physiologic Stability, Gastrointestinal Tract Function, Sensory Responsiveness, and Compelling Symptoms of Problematic Feeding. Infant NNS was measured using a custom pacifier, pressure transducer device, which yields the following NNS variables: duration (sec), frequency (Hz), amplitude (cmH20), cycles per burst, cycle amount, and burst amount. The Oral Feeding Skills (OFS) scale was used to measure the initial volume, transfer volume, proficiency, and rate of milk transfer during bottle feeding. Fifty-two infants (58% male) with reported prior bottle experience completed this study. NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding Total score was significantly positively associated with NNS burst duration and NNS cycles per burst. The NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding Energy and Physiologic Stability domain was significantly positively correlated with NNS cycles per burst. NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding Gastrointestinal Tract Function domain score was significantly positively correlated with NNS duration, amplitude, and cycles per burst. There were no significant associations between NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding domains and the OFS scale. The findings demonstrate that parent reports of problematic feeding at 3 months of age are associated with aspects of infant NNS physiology and not with oral feeding metrics during bottle-feeding. Parent reports of bottle-feeding behaviors, particularly pertaining to gastrointestinal issues, were associated with aspects of infant NNS. These data together will allow for a more nuanced understanding of infant feeding and will be beneficial in determining if infants have a feeding delay.

Nipple properties affect sensorimotor integration during bottle feeding in an infant pig model.

Infant feeding is a critical neurological milestone in development defined by the coordination of muscles, peripheral nerves, and brainstem nuclei. In infants, milk flow rate is often limited to improve feeding performance without treating the underlying deficiencies in the sucking and swallowing processes. Modification of the neuromotor response via sensory information from the nipple during bottle feeding is an unexplored avenue for physiology-based interventions. In this study, we assessed how differences in nipple hole size and nipple stiffness affect sucking muscle activation and subsequent movement. We fabricated four bottle nipples of varying hole size and stiffness to determine how variation in nipple properties affects the sucking behavior of infant pigs. Our results demonstrate that sensory information from the nipple affects sucking motor output. Nipple hole sizes and stiffnesses with a larger milk flow rate resulted in greater muscle activity and kinematic movement. Additionally, our results suggest that sensorimotor interventions are better directed toward modulating tongue function rather than the mandible movements due to a greater response to sensory information. Understanding how sensory information influences infant feeding is instrumental in promoting effective infant feeding.

The impact of infant feeding and oral hygiene habits on early childhood caries: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the Early Childhood Caries (ECC)/severe-ECC (S-ECC) and prolonged breast-feeding (BF), bottle-feeding, and oral hygiene habits in 0-year-old to 5-year-old Turkish children. Patients and Methods: Dental examinations were performed on 255 patients to determine the prevalence of the ECC and the S-ECC as per the definition of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. To predict the progress rate of caries, noncavitated and cavitated lesion scores were assessed by using the International caries detection and assessment system II criteria. Information on infant feeding practices, oral hygiene habits, maternal characteristics, and demographic features were gathered by means of a questionnaire. The results were statistically evaluated. Results: There were no associations between BF duration, night-time BF, bottle-feeding, and the ECC. And there were also no associations between BF duration, night-time BF, bottle-feeding, and the S-ECC. Cavitated lesions were more common in children breastfed at night for 18-23 months compared to 12-17 months (P = 0.031). Sweetened bottle was an impact factor on caries experience (P = 0.042). A significant correlation was found for dmft, S-ECC, and the cavitated lesions regarding sugar consumption (P = .001, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). Early introduction to tooth-brushing and regular dental visits were significantly effective in reducing the ECC (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Conclusion: BF and bottle-feeding practices were not associated with the ECC/S-ECC. Sweetened bottles and sugary foods are strong risk factors for the ECC/S-ECC.