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Feeding patterns in breast-fed and formula-fed infants
Erika Sievers1, Hans-Dieter Oldigs, René Santer
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Kiel, Germany. Erika.Sievers@t-online.de
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|December 5, 2002
Summary
Infant feeding patterns differ between breast-fed and formula-fed babies, especially after six weeks. Formula-fed infants consume larger volumes and reduce night feedings compared to breast-fed infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infant Nutrition
- Feeding Behavior
Background:
- Understanding infant feeding patterns is crucial for guiding parents.
- On-demand feeding recommendations require knowledge of typical infant intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize physiological feeding patterns in healthy breast- and formula-fed infants.
- To provide a basis for counseling parents on on-demand feeding.
Main Methods:
- Measured ingested milk volumes in 10 breast-fed and 14 formula-fed infants.
- Conducted five 72-hour studies across the first 17 weeks of life.
Main Results:
- Similar diurnal feeding distribution in both groups for the first 9 weeks.
- Night feeding asymmetry observed from 6 weeks; formula-fed infants decreased night intake.
- Formula-fed infants showed significantly higher feeding volumes from 6 weeks onwards.
Conclusions:
- Breast-fed infants exhibit variable feeding demands and night feeding patterns.
- Achieving breast-fed infant feeding patterns is challenging with formula feeding.
- Parents need information on infant feeding variability and night feeding.