Feeding patterns in breast-fed and formula-fed infants

Ann Nutr Metab. 2002;46(6):243-8. doi: 10.1159/000066498.

Abstract

Aim: The intention of this study performed in healthy breast- and formula-fed infants was to characterize physiological feeding patterns as a basis for counseling parents to feed their infants on demand.

Methods: Ingested milk volumes of 10 breast-fed and 14 formula-fed infants were measured during five 72-hour investigation periods during the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 13th, and 17th weeks of life.

Results: A comparable diurnal distribution of feeds was observed in both groups during the first 9 weeks of life, with a day-night asymmetry of feeding first observed at the age of 6 weeks. Thereafter, formula-fed infants showed a further decrease in their nightly milk intake. Within the investigation period, the milk volume per feed rose from 100 (range 40-200) g to 140 (range 30-300) g in the breast-fed group and from 100 (range 20-200) g to 200 (range 20-450) g in formula-fed infants. From the 6th week of life onwards, formula-fed infants had significantly higher feeding volumes.

Conclusions: Parents should be informed about the variability of infant demands per feed and of feeding at night observed in breast-fed infants. The results suggest that feeding patterns similar to those of breast-fed infants are difficult to accomplish in formula-fed infants.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bottle Feeding*
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Energy Intake / physiology*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Growth
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Food
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male