Bottle Feeding Linked to 14% of Infant Ear Problems, Warns Paediatrician

Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a paediatrician at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, has revealed that bottle feeding is responsible for 14% of ear problems in infants. The findings, based on recent research, highlight the risks associated with bottle feeding, which can lead to ear infections affecting both the inner and outer parts of the ear.

In an interview in Bauchi State on Thursday, Dr. Mohammed also noted that bottle feeding contributes to dental caries in children. Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, are the result of tooth surface erosion caused by bacteria, acids, plaque, and tartar. These issues, she stressed, are prevalent among both children and adults, often due to inadequate dental hygiene.

To mitigate these risks, Dr. Mohammed advocated for the use of spoon and cup feeding once complementary foods are introduced. “The cup and spoon method should be adopted to reduce the likelihood of ear problems and dental caries in infants,” she advised. She explained that feeding bottles can cause ear infections through dripping or forced feeding, which may lead to further complications.

The paediatrician also cautioned against the practice of forced feeding, which is common in some communities. She warned that forced feeding can result in aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung condition caused by inhaling stomach contents. Dr. Mohammed urged mothers to follow best practices in breastfeeding and complementary feeding to prevent choking and subsequent health issues.

She emphasized the importance of observing babies’ eating behaviors to identify suitable meals during complementary feeding. “If a baby consistently refuses food in a normal and gentle manner, it’s a sign that something may be wrong with the meal,” Dr. Mohammed advised, encouraging mothers not to force-feed under such circumstances.