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A new method for delivering a taste without fluids to preterm and term infants
T R Maone1, R D Mattes, J C Bernbaum
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3308.
Developmental Psychobiology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
A novel gelatin nipple delivers sucrose taste continuously, enhancing sucking behavior in preterm and term infants. This method offers a new way to study infant taste perception and provide chemosensory stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Infant sensory development
- Pediatric nutrition
Background:
- Administering taste to infants often involves rapid solution delivery.
- Sucrose is known to potentiate sucking behavior in infants.
- Existing methods may not be ideal for continuous taste administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel method for administering taste to infants.
- To assess the effect of a sucrose-infused gelatin nipple on infant sucking behavior.
- To explore the potential for routine chemosensory stimulation in infants.
Main Methods:
- Development of gelatin-based nipples embedded with sucrose.
- Comparison of gelatin nipples with latex nipples in a within-subject design.
- Measurement of sucking behavior (frequency and strength) in preterm and term infants.
Main Results:
- Gelatin nipples significantly potentiated sucking behavior in both preterm and term infants.
- Increased frequency and strength of sucking responses were observed with gelatin nipples.
- Minor variations in sucking measures between infant groups were likely due to physical stamina, not sensory factors.
Conclusions:
- Flavored gelatin nipples are an effective tool for studying taste in infants.
- This method allows for continuous, non-invasive chemosensory stimulation.
- Potential applications include infant research and clinical settings for sensory stimulation.