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BackgroundBreastfeeding is an optimal infant feeding method that provides adequate nutrients, achieves healthy growth and development, and enhances the health status of both infants and mothers. Breast milk contains a variety of substances that might positively affect cognition and the development of children's psychomotor abilities.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the variations in intelligence quotient (IQ), social intelligence (SI), and body mass index (BMI) among 7- to 9-year-old girls who were exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle-fed, or mixed-fed during their first 6 months of life.MethodsThis study involved 111 healthy girls, aged 7 to 9 years, who were recruited from nine government and private schools in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices were used to measure the participants' IQs, and the Vineland Social Maturity Assessment was used to measure their SI through individual interviews. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard methods.ResultsThe breastfed group showed a greater number of above-average IQ test scores (35 vs. 23%; P = 0.479) and better SI scores (78 vs. 55%; P = 0.066) compared with the bottle-fed group. The number of girls with normal BMIs was significantly higher in the breastfed group than in the bottle-fed (68 vs. 41%; P = 0.045) or mixed-fed groups.ConclusionExclusively breastfed girls had higher IQ and SI results compared with bottle-fed girls. However, unlike the BMI differences, these results were not statistically significant. This study provides fundamental observational data and can be further modified for use on a larger national-scale level.

Simple Summary Animal models for human diseases are used in situations where studies cannot be carried out on humans. While animal models in biomedical research play a pivotal part in the development of new and safe treatments for humans, it is important that the animals are used in the best way and that possible refinements are considered. Pigs are often used to model humans since the two species share many anatomical and physiological characteristics. This publication describes refinements in the training technique of pigs prior to an oral glucose tolerance test, a test commonly used in diabetes research where the individual drinks a certain amount of glucose followed by blood sampling. Sharing these results with the research community will help other researchers to successfully train pigs in such studies. Abstract Animal models of human diseases are important in biomedical research. When using animals for scientific purposes, the 3Rs (replace, reduce, refine) should be considered. Refinement of animal models is essential to ensure best use of animals, which is important for ethical reasons and to retrieve reliable research data. The present publication describes improvements to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model for pigs published in 2016. Historical data from 42 pigs were used to describe improvements in the training technique over six years. Pigs of various breeds and ages can be trained to bottle-feed glucose dissolved in water to undergo OGTT. This publication describes different tips and techniques to apply for successful training and will help researchers to minimize exclusions of pigs due to unsuccessful training. The improvements are an important contribution to the 3Rs.

Tongue motility is an essential physiological component of human feeding from infancy through adulthood. At present, it is a challenge to distinguish among the many pathologies of swallowing due to the absence of quantitative tools. We objectively quantified tongue kinematics from ultrasound imaging during infant and adult feeding. The functional advantage of this method is presented in several subjects with swallowing difficulties. We demonstrated for the first time the differences in tongue kinematics during breast‐ and bottle‐feeding, showing the arrhythmic sucking pattern during bottle‐feeding as compared with breastfeeding in the same infant with torticollis. The method clearly displayed the improvement of tongue motility after frenotomy in infants with either tongue‐tie or restrictive labial frenulum. The analysis also revealed the absence of posterior tongue peristalsis required for safe swallowing in an infant with dysphagia. We also analyzed for the first time the tongue kinematics in an adult during water bolus swallowing demonstrating tongue peristaltic‐like movements in both anterior and posterior segments. First, the anterior segment undulates to close off the oral cavity and the posterior segment held the bolus, and then, the posterior tongue propelled the bolus to the pharynx. The present methodology of quantitative imaging revealed highly conserved patterns of tongue kinematics that can differentiate between swallowing pathologies and evaluate treatment interventions. The method is novel and objective and has the potential to advance knowledge about the normal swallowing and management of feeding disorders., Tongue kinematics was objectively quantified from ultrasound imaging during feeding. Tongue and palate contours were traced in each frame of the video; tongue outlines were registered with respect to the hard anterior palate; and tongue motility characteristics were determined from intersections with polar coordinates in subsequent frames. Differences in tongue kinematics during breast‐ and bottle‐feeding are demonstrate in the same infant. The method detected improvement of tongue motility after frenotomy interventions and revealed absence of posterior tongue peristalsis in infant with dysphagia. It demonstrated tongue peristaltic‐like movements in both anterior and posterior segments in an adult during water bolus swallowing.

The aim of the research is to study the state of emotional-volitional function in infants, who were born and living in Lugansk and Donetsk during the military conflict. A dynamic clinical examination was made with the assessment of the rate of emotional-volitional development in 68 children in the area of military conflict. Among them 32 children were breast-fed, forming Ia (the main) group of children, and 36 children were bottle-fed, forming Ib (the comparison group). The second (control) group of our study consisted of 88 children, who were outside the area of military conflict. Among them there were 47 children, who were breast-fed (IIa group), and 41 children, who were bottle-fed (IIb group). The assessment of the level of emotional-volitional development in children was carried out using a standardized clinical-psychological technique called “Gnome”. Results: The level of development of emotional-volitional function in children depends on the type of feeding and the environment. Despite the stressful situation the mother’s milk and physical contact with the mother contributed to higher levels of emotional and volitional development compared to the comparison group of children. But the stress of the war still promoted inhibition of emotional and volitional development, compared with children, who had similar feeding, staying in a peaceful environment.

Weight status and rate of weight gain in the first six months postpartum are strong predictors of later obesity; thus, infant feeding practices are an important target for obesity prevention efforts. The use of food to soothe (FTS) is associated with less-favorable eating habits and weight outcomes for older infants and children. However, few studies have examined correlates of use of FTS during early infancy. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore associations between use of FTS and infant weight status in the first 6 months postpartum. A secondary aim was to identify the combination of maternal and infant characteristics that predicted use of FTS. Mothers of infants aged 6 months or younger (N = 134) completed questionnaires assessing use of FTS, bottle-feeding intensity (i.e., percentage of daily feedings from bottles versus directly from the breast), levels of responsive and pressuring feeding styles, dimensions of infant temperament and eating behaviors, and family demographics. Dyads were observed during feeding to assess maternal sensitivity to infant cues and responsiveness to infant distress and infant clarity of cues and responsiveness to the mother. Infant weight and length at study entry were assessed by a trained research assistant. Use of FTS was not associated with infant weight for age z-score (WAZ), even when bottle-feeding intensity was considered as a moderator. More frequent use of FTS was predicted by the combination of greater levels of pressuring feeding style (p = .005) and infant temperamental negative affectivity (p = .001), and lower levels of infant temperamental surgency/extraversion (p = .018). In conclusion, use of FTS was associated with dimensions of infant temperament and maternal feeding style, but not with WAZ during early infancy.

Breastfeeding is optimal for infant health, but more than 66% of mothers cease exclusive breastfeeding within three months after giving birth. Evaluating infants' sucking effort provides valuable diagnosis to mothers encountering barriers with breastfeeding. Sucking microstructure is defined as an array of metrics that comprehensively capture infants' ability to create a sealed latch onto mother's nipple and regulate feeding, including number of sucks, sucks per burst, number of bursts, intra suck interval, and maximal sucking pressure. In this paper, we proposed a breastfeeding diagnostic device (BDD) which allows convenient and objective measurement of infants' sucking microstructure in both home and clinical settings. BDD utilizes an air-based pressure transducer to measure infants' sucking behavior. We conducted pilot clinical studies on six dyads of mother and infant to test the feasibility of the BDD system. To facilitate comparison, both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding were conducted on the six dyads using the BDD in home settings, and the outcomes are comparable with prior recordings in research or clinical settings. By offering a convenient and objective measurement of the sucking microstructure, the BDD will provide clinically meaningful guidance and diagnosis to mothers struggling with breastfeeding. BDD will also serve as an objective metric useful in research areas relevant to infant behaviors, assessment of neurodevelopment, and potentially a screening tool for developmental disabilities.

The aim of the research is to study the state of behavioral function in infants who were born and living in the Lugansk and donetsk during the military conflict. A dynamic clinical examina- tion was made. Also it was made the assessment of the rate of behavioral development in 68 children in the area of military conflict. Among them 32 children were breast-fed, forming Ia (the main) group of children, and 36 children who were bottle-fed, forming the comparison group Ib. The control groups of our study consist of 88 children who were outside the zone of military conflict. Among them there were 47 children who were breast-fed (IIa group), and 41 children who were bottle-fed (IIb group). The assessment of the level of behavioral function development in children was carried out using a standard- ized clinical-psychological techniques "Gnome".Conclusions: The development of behavioral functions in infants and toddlers depends on the sur- rounding stressful conditions and the type of feeding. The level of formation of these functions in chil- dren who were bottle-fed and under stress of war was the lowest. The greatest delay in children of this group were the indicators of social development. From biological indicators much more suffered the functions associated with eating behavior. Children who were bottle-fed in the stress of military actions in infancy and early childhood are in need of rehabilitation activities.

Bottle‐feeding is an infant feeding modality that has been in existence since ancient times, and currently, a significant number of infants are being fed via a bottle with either breastmilk or formula. Although research on bottle‐feeding has continued, it exists in fragmented, often small studies that focus on singular aspects of feeding an infant using a bottle, with limited information on the bottle‐feeding act. Systems theory was the approach used to define the act of bottle‐feeding and identify the parts within this act. Health databases were searched using MeSH terms. A summary of the studies are included. The findings of this review revealed that healthy term bottle‐feeding infants use similar tongue and jaw movements, can create suction and sequentially use teat compression to obtain milk, with minimal differences in oxygen saturation and SSB patterns, when compared with breastfeeding infants. Bottle and teat characteristics were revealed to affect infant feeding and milk intake. An infant's milk intake during feeding was shown to have a strong association with the interaction between the infant and parent/caregiver. With the issue of who controls the feed, mother or infant, likely to affect an infant's ability to self‐regulate their milk intake. Redefining bottle‐feeding as a holistic system identifies the interrelationship of the various parts which will improve the understanding of the reciprocal nature of infant feeding. To optimize bottle‐feeding outcomes, further research is required on parents' and health professionals' knowledge and understanding of the parts within the act of bottle‐feeding.

Objectives A qualitative study was conducted to explore family experiences of communication with health care professionals following the diagnosis and birth of a child with cleft lip and/or palate in the United Kingdom. Twenty four interviews were conducted with families who had a child born with cleft lip and/or palate. Analysis of the data revealed that a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate may not be handled sensitively by the non-specialist health professionals who are providing care. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge and inadequate support may continue after the child is born as some health professionals do not provide accurate or appropriate advice relevant to this condition. The findings have implications for current clinical practice with regard to the diagnosis and care of infants born with cleft lip and/or palate in the United Kingdom. These implications are discussed within the context of improving and developing communication in the diagnosis and care of children with cleft lip and/or palate and Experienced-Based Co Design.

ObjectiveTo determine current status, areas for improvement and effect of conflict on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices among internally displaced persons (IDP) in eastern Ukraine.DesignCross-sectional household survey, June 2015.SettingKharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts (Ukrainian administrative divisions) bordering conflict area in Ukraine.SubjectsRandomly selected IDP households with children aged ResultsExclusive breast-feeding prevalence for infants aged PConclusionsTo mitigate the effects of conflict and improve child health, humanitarian action is needed focused on helping mothers cope with stress related to conflict and displacement while supporting women to adhere to recommended IYCF practices if possible and providing appropriate support to women when adherence is not feasible.

The global nutrition transition has contributed to child obesity and dental caries in developing countries, including Vietnam. Few studies have described the nutrition and oral health of mothers and children. This a descriptive study of the nutrition and oral health characteristics of a convenience sample of 571 children aged 2 to 5 years and their mothers from 5 urban preschools in Central and South Vietnam. The mothers completed a written survey, and the children received dental exams and weight/height measurements. High rates of bottle-feeding and the consumption of sweets were reported. One in 4 children were overweight/obese. Dental caries increased in prevalence and severity by age&mdash, at 5 years, 86.7% of children had tooth decay in an average of 8.5 teeth, and 70.9% experienced mouth pain. Most mothers and children suffered from untreated dental disease. Public health programs should focus on nutrition and oral health promotion, as well as dental treatment from pregnancy and birth onward.

OBJETIVO: Estudar as práticas alimentares de menores de um ano, filhos de adolescentes, residentes no município de Volta Redonda (RJ). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 1 014 crianças selecionadas aleatoriamente na Campanha de Multivacinação de 2006, com aplicação de questionário fechado (recordatório de 24h). Foram analisadas características das mães e de seus filhos. As prevalências de aleitamento materno, aleitamento materno exclusivo, aleitamento materno predominante, a oferta de outros leites, a alimentação no primeiro dia em casa, a alimentação complementar oportuna, a oferta de sólidos ou semi-sólidos, e o uso de chupetas e mamadeiras foram investigadas. RESULTADOS: As prevalências aleitamento materno, aleitamento materno exclusivo e aleitamento materno predominante foram 85,5%, 32,0% e 9,6%, respectivamente, sem diferenças entre filhos de adolescentes e adultas. A oferta de outros leites, entretanto, foi significativamente maior junto aos filhos de adultas (45,3%, contra 31,2% observados entre adolescentes). Maiores de seis meses, filhos de adolescentes, revelaram menor prevalência de aleitamento materno que os de adultas (49,2% e 66,0%, respectivamente), assim como maior frequência no uso de chupetas, com diferenças significativas. A alimentação complementar foi similar entre filhos de adolescentes e adultas, com predominância da oferta de sopas ou papas. Carne e feijão foram utilizados com mais frequência em sólidos. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram observadas diferenças no aleitamento considerando a variável idade materna, adolescente ou não, antes de seis meses de vida e sim após esse período. Nos maiores de seis meses, chama também a atenção o maior no uso de chupetas, assim como a oferta e as características da alimentação complementar de filhos de adolescentes. Estudos de natureza compreensiva mostram-se necessários. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to study the feeding practices of adolescent mothers' infants under one year of age living in the city of Volta Redonda (RJ). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,014 infants selected randomly at the 2006 Multiple Vaccination Campaign. The 24-hour recall was used. Characteristics of the mothers and infants were analyzed. The prevalences of breastfeeding, exclusive and predominant breastfeeding and the use of other kinds of milk, in addition to the feeding practices in the first day at home and use of complementary foods, solid or semi-solid foods and pacifiers and bottles were investigated. RESULTS: The prevalences of breastfeeding and exclusive and predominant breastfeeding were 85.5%, 32.0% and 9.6%, respectively, with no differences between adolescents' and adults' children. Adult mothers were significantly more likely to offer other kinds of milk than adolescent mothers (45.3% and 31.2% respectively). Infants at six or more months of age of adolescent mothers were significantly less likely to be breastfed than those of adult mothers (49.2% and 66.0% respectively) and more likely to be given pacifiers. Adult and adolescent mothers presented similar complementary feeding practices, with soups and soft foods prevailing. Meat and beans were the most common solid foods given to the infants. CONCLUSION: There are no differences in breastfeeding practices among mothers of different ages, whether adolescent or not, in the first six months of an infant's life but the practices do differ after this age. Among the six-monthold infants or older of adolescent mothers, the extensive use of pacifiers and the characteristics of the complementary foods deserve attention. Comprehensive studies are necessary.

Background Early transition from breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking habits may be related to occlusofacial abnormalities as environmental factors. Previous studies have not taken into account the potential for interactions between feeding practice, non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusal traits. This study assessed the effects of breast-feeding duration, bottle-feeding duration and non-nutritive sucking habits on the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in 3–6-year-old children in Peking city. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted via an examination of the occlusal characteristics of 734 children combined with a questionnaire completed by their parents/guardians. The examination was performed by a single, previously calibrated examiner and the following variables were evaluated: presence or absence of deep overbite, open bite, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, deep overjet, terminal plane relationship of the second primary molar, primary canine relationship, crowding and spacing. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions were applied to analyze the associations. Results It was found that a short duration of breast-feeding (never or ≤6 months) was directly associated with posterior cross bite (OR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.11–8.82; P = 0.031) and no maxillary space (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.23–2.98; P = 0.038). In children breast-fed for ≤6 months, the probability of developing pacifier-sucking habits was 4 times that for those breast-fed for >6 months (OR = 4.21; 95% CI = 1.85–9.60; P = 0.0002). Children who were bottle-fed for over 18 months had a 1.45-fold higher risk of nonmesial step occlusion and a 1.43-fold higher risk of a class II canine relationship compared with those who were bottle-fed for up to 18 months. Non-nutritive sucking habits were also found to affect occlusion: A prolonged digit-sucking habit increased the probability of an anterior open bite, while a pacifier-sucking habit associated with excessive overjet and absence of lower arch developmental space. Conclusion Breastfeeding duration was shown to be associated with the prevalence of posterior crossbite, no maxillary space in the deciduous dentition and development of a pacifier-sucking habit. Children who had a digit-sucking habit were more likely to develop an open bite.

The pattern of infant and young child feeding that provides the most benefit includes being put to the breast within an hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond, and avoidance of any bottle-feeding. However, since there are no published data from Kenya regarding trends in these feeding practices, this research undertook time trend estimation of these feeding practices using the 1998, 2003, and 2008-2009 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey and also examined the multivariate relationships between sociodemographic factors and feeding practices with data from 2008 to 2009. Logistic regression was used to test the significance of trends and to analyze sociodemographic characteristics associated with feeding practices. There was a significant decline in early initiation of breastfeeding among children in Central and Western provinces and those residing in urban areas. Trends in exclusive breastfeeding showed significant improvement in most sociodemographic segments, whereas trends in complementary feeding and breastfeeding remained stable. Bottle-feeding significantly decreased among children aged 12 to 23 months, as well as those living in Coast, Eastern, and Rift Valley provinces. In the multivariate analysis, the province was significantly associated with feeding practices, after controlling for child's size, birth order, and parity. The stagnant (and in some cases worsening) trends in early initiation of breastfeeding and complementary feeding with breastfeeding paint a worrisome picture of breastfeeding practices in Kenya; therefore, efforts to promote the most beneficial feeding practices should be intensified. publishedVersion

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the oral health, oral hygiene, and oral health habits of Kuwaiti infants and toddlers. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study of a convenience sample included 336 infants and toddlers (156 females and 180 males). The teeth of the infants and toddlers were examined using a mirror and a light source. Oral hygiene was recorded, and then all teeth were cleaned with gauze and examined for caries. Parents were interviewed regarding their children's feeding habits, brushing or tooth cleaning, and night feeding. The evaluation criteria for caries were sound teeth, noncavitated lesions, cavitated lesions, filled teeth, and missing teeth. Results: The mean age was 11.1 ± 2.4 months (range 2-23). Of the 336 subjects, 247 (73%) had good oral hygiene, 64 (19%) had parents who brushed or cleaned their infants' and toddlers' teeth; 288 (86%) were bottle-fed, and 290 (86%) were also night fed. The mean number of teeth upon examination was 4.6 ± 2.7 (range 2-8). Three percent of the infants and toddlers had caries. Cavitated lesions were present in 6 patients (1.8%), while 4 (1.2%) had noncavitated lesions. The mean d1d2t (caries teeth: noncavitated lesions and cavitated lesions) was 0.03 ± 0.3, and the mean d1d2s (carious surfaces) was 0.07 ± 0.5. Conclusion: The caries prevalence and severity was low in infants and toddlers. However, poor oral health practices and habits as well as unhealthy feeding practices that could affect the future caries prevalence were noted.

Background: Pre-term infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at risk of acquiring brain abnormalities. Combined with ongoing breathing difficulties, this may influence the development of their sucking patterns. Objective: To determine the longitudinal development of sucking patterns from birth until 10 weeks’ post-term age in pre-term infants with and without BPD. Methods: The sucking patterns of 16 pre-term infants with BPD and 15 pre-term infants without BPD were prospectively assessed with the Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale. The infants were matched for gestational age (Results: Thirty (21%) of 142 feeding episodes of the pre-term infants with BPD and 36 (23%) of 156 of those without BPD were diagnosed as normal (non-significant). Of the abnormal patterns, 3 were diagnosed as dysfunctional and 229 as disorganized. Before term-equivalent age, definitely abnormal sucking patterns were more prevalent in the pre-term infants with BPD than in those without BPD: 69 (49%) and 47 (30%) episodes, respectively (χ2 = 10.7, p < 0.01). In particular, the abnormal patterns including the item ‘incoordination’, defined as the inability to coordinate sucking and swallowing with breathing, were more prevalent: 36 and 15%, respectively (χ2 = 6.37, p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups regarding the age at which they acquired normal sucking patterns. Relevant clinical characteristics did not influence the development of the sucking patterns. Conclusions: The developmental characteristicof sucking patterns in infants with BPD was that these infants were unable to coordinate swallowing with breathing. This was the case especially prior to term-equivalent age; after term-equivalent age, the development of sucking closely resembled that of pre-term infants without BPD.

Human breast milk is known to contain immunoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents. In a prospective clinical study of dengue virus infections during infancy, we examined the correlation between breastfeeding and the development of febrile illnesses in an infant population. We found that breastfeeding status and the frequency of breastfeeding during early infancy was associated with a lower incidence of febrile illnesses.

Objectives: To describe the first-week feeding patterns for breast- vs bottle-fed babies, and their association with sustained breast-feeding and infant weight gain at 6 weeks. Design: A longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Feeding diaries were completed by mothers in an urban UK community shortly after birth; follow-up weight and feeding data were collected at routine health checks. Subjects: Mothers of 923 full-term infants born during the recruiting period agreed to join the study. In all, 502 usable diaries were returned from 54% of the cohort. Results: Breast-fed infants were fed more frequently (2.71 h between feeds) than bottle-fed infants (3.25 h between feeds) and mixed-fed infants (3.14 h between feeds) (P

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly during developmental periods, gives rise to a variety of adverse health outcomes. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known EDC commonly found in plastic products including food and water containers, baby bottles, and metal can linings. This study investigates infant exposure to BPA and the effect of bottle-feeding on serum BPA levels in infants. Serum BPA levels in normal healthy infants 6 to 15 months of age (n=60) were evaluated by a competitive ELISA. BPA was detected in every study sample. Serum BPA levels of bottle-fed infants (n=30) were significantly higher than those of breast-fed infants (n=30) (96.58±102.36 vs 45.53±34.05 pg/mL, P=0.014). There were no significant differences in serum BPA levels between boys (n=31) and girls (n=29). No significant correlations were found between serum BPA levels and age, body weight, birth weight, and gestational age. Bottle-feeding seems to increase the risk of infant exposure to BPA. Establishment of health policies to reduce or prevent BPA exposure in infants is necessary. Graphical Abstract

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:23:39Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:35:16Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-54349101269.pdf: 673418 bytes, checksum: 1988045d13b466b7d1102dad6bd2ec22 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:23:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-09-01 In addition to providing nutrition and immunological protection, breast-feeding has positive effects on the development of the infant's oral cavity. The aim of the present study is to assess breast-feeding patterns and to analyze the influence of breast-feeding practices and maternal sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits in a sample of Brazilian infants. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern Brazil. A random sample of 100 mothers of infants up to 12 months of age was interviewed during the National Vaccination Campaign Day. The prevalence and median duration of breast-feeding were assessed. Breast-feeding practice, the exposure factor, was categorized as exclusive breast-feeding, predominant breast-feeding, complementary breast-feeding, or weaning. Maternal sociodemographic variables included age, race, marital status, educational level, profession, and family income. The outcome investigated was the prevalence of sucking habits (pacifier use and thumb sucking). We used two-sample tests, the chi-square test and Fisher exact test0 for statistical analyses of the data. The study revealed that 75% of infants were being breast-fed. Pacifier use and thumb sucking were common in 55%. Bottle-feeding was prevalent in 74% of infants. Breast-feeding was negatively correlated with pacifier use and thumb sucking (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.4). Bottle-feeding was strongly associated with weaning (p = 0.0003). Among the sociodemographic variables, only marital status showed a statistical association with sucking habits (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that breast-feeding can prevent the occurrence of sucking habits. Although we could not evaluate causality assessment, malocclusion prevention seems to be yet one more reason for promoting breast-feeding practices. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Pediatric and Social Dentistry Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University, Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, SP 16015-050 Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Pediatric and Social Dentistry Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University, Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, SP 16015-050