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A study of infant growth in relation to the type of feeding
Insights
This study on infant feeding found that modified milk formulas may slow weight gain and fat development in male newborns. Early introduction of bottle feeding is common, influencing solid food introduction timing across different social classes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Infant Health
Background:
- Infant feeding practices significantly impact growth and development.
- Understanding the effects of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding is crucial for infant health.
- Socioeconomic factors can influence infant feeding choices and timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare growth parameters in breast-fed versus bottle-fed newborns.
- To investigate the influence of feeding practices on the introduction of solid foods.
- To examine the relationship between feeding methods, social class, and infant development.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 133 breast-fed and 106 bottle-fed newborns.
- Detailed recording of feeding practices, including introduction of bottle feeds and solid foods.
- Measurement of skinfold thickness and weight gain during the first 5-7 weeks of life.
Main Results:
- Bottle feeds were introduced in approximately 50% of breast-fed infants by 5-7 weeks.
- Breast-fed infants in higher social classes (I-III) were introduced to solids later.
- Modified milk feeding was associated with retarded weight gain and subcutaneous fat increase in male infants.
Conclusions:
- Current modified milk feeding practices may negatively affect male infant growth.
- Feeding practices and timing of solid food introduction vary by social class.
- Early introduction of bottle feeding is prevalent and influences weaning patterns.
Abstract:
A total of 133 breast fed newborn babies, and 106 bottle fed babies, were selected and studied prospectively. Details taken of feeding practices have shown that by 5--7 wk of age bottle feeds had been introduced in about 50% of breast fed babies. Entirely breast fed babies received their first solid food later than breast-and-bottle fed or entirely bottle fed babies when such babies were in social class I, II or III, but in social class IV and V entirely breast fed babies were weaned at a similar age to those in the other two groups of babies. In the first 5--7 wk of life there was a significant negative correlation between the increase in skinfold thickness and the skinfold thickness at birth. The study has also shown that the present practice of feeding babies modified milks retards weight gain and the increase in subcutaneous fat in male babies.