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Published on: February 5, 2019
International Child Care Practices study: breastfeeding and pacifier use
E A S Nelson1, Ly-Mee Yu, Sheila Williams
1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Summary
Pacifier use may protect against sudden infant death syndrome, but is negatively associated with breastfeeding duration. Advice should balance risks and benefits for infant care practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Infant Care Practices
Background:
- The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative recommends against pacifier use for breastfeeding infants.
- Both breastfeeding and pacifier use are associated with reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Understanding infant feeding practices and pacifier use is crucial for infant health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe infant feeding practices and pacifier use globally.
- To assess factors associated with breastfeeding, considering pacifier use.
- To inform evidence-based recommendations for infant care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the International Child Care Practice Study dataset.
- Included data from 21 centers across 17 countries.
- Analyzed infant feeding practices and pacifier use at approximately 3 months of age.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in breastfeeding-only rates (4%-80%) and pacifier use (12.5%-71%) across centers.
- Pacifier use showed a negative dose-response association with breastfeeding.
- Identified factors positively (intention to breastfeed, bed sharing, maternal education) and negatively (multiple birth, maternal smoking) associated with breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- Pacifier use is inversely related to breastfeeding, with a dose-response effect observed.
- Factors such as maternal education and bed sharing are positively associated with breastfeeding.
- Current advice on pacifiers should incorporate potential SIDS risk reduction benefits alongside breastfeeding considerations.
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