QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE VIDEO ANALYSIS OF INFANTS FEEDING - ANGLED-BOTTLE AND STRAIGHT-BOTTLE FEEDING SYSTEMS

Objective: To determine whether an angled-bottle feeding system is mor e effective than a straight-bottle feeding system in facilitating the medically recommended semiupright infant posture and to determine whet her an angled bottle promotes improved ergonomic alignment and comfort for the feeder. Study design: On two consecutive days, 23 pairs of pa rent-infant teams, seated in an ergonomic chair, were videotaped at th e same time of day, during which infants were fed by their parents wit h either an angled or a straight bottle (presented in balanced order) fitted with the infants' regular nipple. Infants were given their regu lar type and amount of formula. Results: The angled bottle provided a higher level of satisfaction compared with the straight bottle, Less g astric discomfort occurred with the angled bottle versus the straight bottle when each was compared with the bottle used at home. In additio n, feeders assumed ergonomically sound positions. Conclusion: This stu dy indicates that an angled bottle is preferable to a straight bottle because it encourages more physiologic positioning of the infant, impr oves the comfort level of the feeder, improves ergonomic feeding perfo rmance, and decreases the need for burping.