Influence of straw type on feeding development in infants

Publication date: April 2013 Source:Pediatric Dental Journal, Volume 23, Issue 1 Author(s): Mutsuki Hara , Ryo Ishida , Mai Ohkubo , Tetsuya Sugiyama , Takahiro Kawata , Yoshinobu Ide , Shinichi Abe The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of a straw with a valve (SWV) on the development of liquid intake in infants. Twenty-six healthy volunteer infants (13 boys, 13 girls), ranging in age from 8 to 19 months, participated in this study. First, a face-to-face interview was conducted with the parents using a structured questionnaire. The infants taking liquid from a straw or a spoon with parental support were then observed and videotaped. During straw or spoon feeding, opening and closing of the jaw were evaluated. For spoon feeding, lip closure was also evaluated. The questionnaire revealed a significant difference between the SWV and straw-without-a-valve (SWOV) groups in terms of number of parents using a spoon and duration of baby food intake. No other significant difference was revealed. Videotapes revealed a significant difference in jaw movement between the SWV and SWOV groups when using a straw (p < 0.01) and lip closure when using a spoon (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in jaw movement when using a spoon (p > 0.05). An SWV may hamper the development of lip closure and affect the development of drinking ability in infants.

Source: Pediatric Dental Journal - November 6, 2014 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research