Randomized controlled trial of bottle weaning intervention: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Public Health Interventions
• Child Development

Background:

• Inappropriate baby bottle use is linked to adverse health outcomes including tooth decay, anemia, and overweight.
• Parental adherence to recommended weaning by 18 months is often suboptimal.
• Early childhood feeding practices significantly impact long-term health and dietary patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a brief, counseling-based intervention to reduce inappropriate baby bottle use.
• To assess the intervention's effectiveness in promoting toddler weaning.
• To evaluate parental satisfaction with the weaning process.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving a brief, counseling-based weaning intervention was conducted.
• The intervention was implemented in an urban Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) agency.
• Participants included primarily Hispanic parent/toddler dyads.

Main Results:

• At baseline, toddlers consumed a mean of 4.7 bottles per day.
• At follow-up, the intervention group consumed significantly fewer bottles per day (0.09) compared to controls (2.0, P < .045).
• Complete weaning was achieved by 50% of toddlers in the intervention group versus 33% in the control group.

Conclusions:

• A brief, counseling-based intervention is effective in reducing bottle use among toddlers.
• The intervention facilitated successful weaning and improved child health indicators.
• Parents reported satisfaction with the outcomes of the weaning intervention.