Study Links Bottle Feeding at Sleep with Cavities, Weight Gain

Key Takeaways:

• Research links bottle feeding to sleep with dental cavities and overweight risks in early childhood.
• Over 30% of toddlers in the study were still bottle-fed to sleep at age two.
• Children bottle-fed at bedtime faced nearly double the risk of tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain.
• Experts recommend introducing cups at six months and stopping bottles by 12 months.
• Parents are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals for better child health outcomes.

Study Highlights Risks of Bedtime Bottle Feeding

A recent study conducted by the University of Sydney has shed light on potential health risks associated with giving babies and toddlers bottles to help them sleep. Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the research draws on data from over 700 toddlers participating in Western Sydney University’s Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids (HSHK) study, a long-term project tracking children’s development from birth.

The findings reveal that more than 30 percent of children were still being bottle-fed to sleep at the age of two. This practice was linked to concerning health outcomes: children who were bottle-fed to sleep at this age were almost twice as likely to be overweight in early childhood. Additionally, those who continued the habit at three years old had nearly twice as many teeth affected by tooth decay compared to their peers.

Lead author Heilok Cheng emphasized the importance of parental awareness, stating that while parents and carers “want to do the right thing,” they may not fully understand the health implications of bedtime bottle feeding.

Why Bottle Feeding Poses Health Risks

The study highlights several reasons why bottle feeding before naps or bedtime can lead to adverse health effects. Common toddler drinks, such as cow’s milk and formula, often contain natural or added sugars. When consumed during sleep, these sugars can linger in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Ms. Cheng explained that bedtime bottles are often used to calm unsettled children or encourage them to fall asleep. However, she noted, “Because the bottle isn’t being offered in response to hunger, it can lead to overfeeding, putting children at risk of unhealthy weight gain.”

These insights underscore the need for clearer guidance and support for parents to avoid establishing habits that could compromise their child’s long-term health.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

The research aligns with existing Australian recommendations advising parents to introduce cups at six months of age and phase out baby bottles entirely by 12 months. Ms. Cheng reinforced this advice, stating, “Bottle feeding in bed is not recommended at any age. Our research now provides a much more robust evidence base for that advice.”

To prevent future health issues, she urged parents to seek support in breaking bad habits early. “Parents need support to help them avoid building bad habits, so that future generations are ‘set up for a healthy future’ from the start,” she said.

Healthcare professionals, including dentists and primary health providers, can play a pivotal role in guiding parents. Ms. Cheng recommended consulting trusted resources to ensure children’s health and development remain on track.

Debunking Myths About Baby Teeth

One common misconception addressed in the study is the belief that dental health is less critical for young children because they still have “baby teeth.” Researchers countered this myth, noting that dental decay in childhood often leads to poor dental outcomes later in life. Early intervention and preventive measures are therefore essential to safeguard long-term oral health.

About the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids Study

The HSHK study is a collaborative effort led by Western Sydney University in partnership with several institutions, including the University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, and the University of Queensland. Funded by organizations such as the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and NSW Health, the study aims to improve understanding of children’s health and development.

For more information, readers are encouraged to explore the full article on The Sector’s website.