Type of Milk Feeding and Introduction to Complementary Foods in Relation to Infant Sleep: A Systematic Review

Sleep disturbances are associated with feeding practices and age in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants are under risk of several shortcomings including sleep disturbances (SD). This cross-sectional study evaluated factors associated with SD in preterm and low birth weight infants in a reference center for preterm children at a University Hospital, southeastern Brazil.

METHODS

A hundred-four dyads of mothers-infants 0-3 years participated. Mothers answered an online questionnaire (Google Forms®) evaluating childbirth characteristics, gestational age, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, non-nutritive sucking habits and sociodemographic information. The Brazilian version of the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) evaluated SD. Bivariate and Logistic Regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

SD was present in 45.2% of the sample. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model showed that infants breastfed ≥3 times at night had 5.006 more chances to have SD (CI 95% = 1.229-20.400) compared to those who did not breastfeed at night. Infants who were bottle-fed 3 ≥ times at night had 6.952 more chances to have SD (CI = 95% = 1.364-35.427) compared to those who were bottle fed less frequently. The chance of SD decreased 6.6% (CI 95% = 0.889-0.982) for each increase of a month in infant's age, and infants from families with higher income had 3.535 more chances to have SD (CI 95% = 1.006-12.416).

CONCLUSION

The younger the child, a higher frequency of night feeding and belonging to higher income families were associated with SD. Recognizing the associated factors with SD in newborns and infants can aid families to better deal with this issue, promote better sleep quality and individualized counseling.

Effectiveness of Growing-Up Milk Containing Only A2 β-Casein on Digestive Comfort in Toddlers: A Randomized Controlled Trial in China

BACKGROUND

Emerging clinical evidence indicates the potential gastrointestinal (GI) benefits of milk containing only A2 β-casein, but data from randomized controlled trials is sparse among pediatric populations. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of growing-up milk (GUM) containing only A2 β-casein on GI tolerance in toddlers.

METHODS

A total of 387 toddlers aged 12-36 months were recruited in Beijing, China, and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to consume one of two commercially available A2 GUMs (combined in the analysis as A2 GUM) or continue their current feeding regimen of conventional milk for 14 days. The primary outcome was the total Gut Comfort Score (GCS) (range: 10-60; higher values indicate greater GI distress) derived from a 10-item (score range: 1-6 per item) parent-reported questionnaire, reflecting GI tolerance.

RESULTS

The GCS (mean ± SD) was comparable between the A2 GUM and conventional milk groups on day 7 (14.7 ± 5.0 vs. 15.0 ± 6.1, p = 0.54) and day 14 (14.0 ± 4.5 vs. 14.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.51). Parents reported less constipation in those consuming A2 GUM vs. conventional milk on day 14 (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9, p = 0.020). Among 124 participants with minor GI distress at baseline (GCS ≥ 17, top tertile range 17-35), GCS was significantly lower in those consuming A2 GUM on day 7 (18.2 ± 5.1 vs. 21.2 ± 6.8, p = 0.004) and day 14 (17.1 ± 5.3 vs. 19.6 ± 6.3, p = 0.026), as were individual GI symptoms (all p < 0.05). In the toddlers without GI issues at baseline (GCS < 17), a low GCS was maintained throughout the study period after switching to A2 GUM (mean values range 10-13).

CONCLUSIONS

Growing-up milk containing only A2 β-casein were well-tolerated and associated with lower parent-reported constipation scores after two weeks when compared to conventional milks. In healthy toddlers with minor GI distress, A2 GUM improved overall digestive comfort and GI-related symptoms within one week.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Perceptions of Infant Sleep, Settle and Cry Patterns in the First 9 Months

This study evaluated relationships between maternal perceptions of infant sleep, settling and crying patterns and breastfeeding. A prospective observational study of 91 mothers of healthy, term infants was conducted with follow ups over 9 months after discharge from a Western Australian maternity hospital. Feeding information, sleep, settle and cry behaviours, maternal bother at infant behaviours and confidence were measured using the Sleep and Settle Questionnaire. Breastfeeding confidence was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. Questionnaires were administered at 2 and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess associations between maternal bother, feeding method and infant characteristics. The feeding method was not associated with maternal bother, and cessation of breastfeeding did not result in a change in bother scores (p = 0.34). Duration of infant crying in the day, evening and night, frequency of night waking and duration of settling to sleep in the day were associated with increased bother scores. Higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal confidence were associated with lower bother scores (both p < 0.01). Maternal bother is associated with infant behaviours that require parental input, but not breastfeeding status. Resources that address parental expectations regarding infant sleep while providing strategies to support maternal wellbeing and breastfeeding are needed.