Measurement of Force Applied by Infant Tongue to Three Types of Artificial Nipple: Investigation of Dynamic Actions in Relation to the Shape and Size of the Artificial Nipple

This study aims to elucidate whether the force applied by an infant's tongue differs or not depending on geometrical differences in the artificial nipples. We developed three sensorized artificial nipple devices using six small force sensors and we have measured the tongue force during sucking in 11 infants. As a result, we have showed that the order of sensor responses and sucking period are similar among different geometries of artificial nipples. However, we have also observed that the maximum force measured differed in different artificial nipples. Furthermore, we have also observed differences in the estimated velocity the tongue movement between individual infants. Overall, this study showed that it is feasible to measure the dynamic properties of artificial nipples toward the definition of clear recommendations for mothers that wish to select the appropriate artificial nipple for their babies on an individual basis. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.