Expert Warns: Bottle Feeding Causes Ear Issues to Infants
By AMINA AHMED
Dr. Aisha Mohammed from the Pediatric Department at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) has revealed that bottle feeding is associated with 14 percent of ear problems in infants. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Thursday, Dr. Mohammed explained that such ear infections can impact both the outer and inner parts of the ear.
Dr. Mohammed also highlighted that bottle feeding can contribute to dental caries, commonly known as cavities. These cavities result from the erosion of tooth surfaces due to bacteria, acids, plaque, and tartar buildup. She noted that poor dental hygiene often leads to dental caries in both children and adults.
To prevent these issues, Dr. Mohammed recommended transitioning to spoon and cup feeding once complementary foods are introduced. She emphasized that using bottles can lead to ear infections and dental problems due to either leakage or improper feeding techniques.
The pediatrician also criticized the practice of forced feeding, which is prevalent in some communities, for potentially causing aspiration pneumonia—an acute lung condition resulting from inhaling gastric contents.
Dr. Mohammed urged mothers to follow best practices for breastfeeding and complementary feeding to prevent choking and subsequent aspiration pneumonia. She advised that if a baby resists the offered food gently, it may indicate a problem with the meal, and forcing the baby to eat should be avoided.
