Consistency in infants' behavioural signalling of satiation during bottle-feeding

Summary Background Understanding the dynamics of feeding is essential for preventing accelerated weight gain during infancy, a risk factor for obesity. Objectives Because infants satiate on larger volumes of cow milk formula (CMF) than CMF enriched with the free amino acid glutamate (CMF + glu), we used this model system to determine whether infants displayed consistent behaviours despite satiating on lower volumes. Methods In this laboratory‐based, within‐subject experimental study of ≤4‐month‐old infants (n = 41) and their mothers, infants were videotaped while feeding to satiation CMF on one test day and CMF + glu on the other, in counterbalanced order. Each video‐recording was analysed frame‐by‐frame for frequency and timing of behaviours. Results Infants' behaviours were consistent in types and frequency but were displayed sooner when feeding CMF + glu compared with CMF. The less responsive the mother's feeding style, the less consistent the infant displayed behaviours across the two formula meals (P = 0.05). Infants who spat up (a possible sign of overfeeding) consumed more formula (P = 0.01) and had less responsive mothers (P = 0.04) compared with the other infants. Conclusions Infants are consistent in their behavioural displays during feeding at this developmental age. Regulation of intake and signalling of satiation during bottle‐feeding are associated with formula composition and maternal feeding style.