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Developmental patterns of normal nutritive sucking in infants
J S McGowan1, R R Marsh, S M Fowler
1Division of Communication Disorders, Children's Seashore House, Philadelphia, PA.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
This study quantified infant nutritive sucking patterns using a novel microcomputer instrument. Findings reveal age-related changes in sucking volume and rate, providing a baseline for identifying abnormal infant feeding behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Feeding Behavior
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Understanding normal infant nutritive sucking is crucial for identifying feeding disorders.
- Previous methods for quantifying sucking patterns were limited in accuracy and scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively quantify normal nutritive sucking patterns in infants.
- To establish a baseline for comparison with abnormal sucking behaviors.
- To utilize a microcomputer-based instrument that mimics natural bottle-feeding.
Main Methods:
- Recorded 86 feeding sessions from infants aged 1.5 to 11.5 months.
- Employed a microcomputer-based instrument to measure suck height, suck area, and time spent sucking.
- Analyzed changes in volume per suck, intersuck interval, and sucking rate relative to infant age.
Main Results:
- Suck height, suck area, and percentage of time sucking were not significantly related to infant age.
- Volume per suck and intersuck interval showed a decline with increasing age.
- A more rapid sucking rate was observed in older infants, resulting in a relatively constant volume per minute of sucking time.
Conclusions:
- The developed apparatus provides an objective method for describing normal infant nutritive sucking.
- This objective data can be used to identify and compare abnormal sucking patterns.
- Age-related adjustments in sucking mechanics are evident, influencing feeding efficiency.
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