Parents and caregivers should reconsider the practice of putting toddlers to sleep with a bottle, as new research links this habit to an increased risk of dental cavities and childhood obesity.
The study, published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, was led by the University of Sydney. It utilized data from over 700 toddlers involved in the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids (HSHK) study by Western Sydney University. The cohort study followed children from birth, analyzing a variety of factors, including surveys from mothers, dental checkups, and body measurements.
The research found that:
- Over 30% of two-year-olds were still being bottle-fed to sleep.
- Toddlers who were bottle-fed to sleep at two years old were nearly twice as likely to be overweight in early childhood.
- Children who were bottle-fed to sleep at three years old had almost double the number of teeth affected by decay compared to their peers.
Heilok Cheng, a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Sydney and the study’s lead author, emphasized that while parents aim to do the right thing, many may be unaware of the health risks linked to bottle-feeding before naps or bedtime. “Australian guidelines recommend introducing cups by six months and discontinuing bottles by 12 months,” Cheng explained. “Bottle feeding in bed is not advisable at any age, and our research strengthens the evidence supporting these guidelines.”
Common toddler drinks, such as cow’s milk and formula, often contain natural or added sugars, which can contribute to tooth decay. When bottles are used at bedtime, they are frequently offered not to satisfy hunger but to comfort a child, leading to overfeeding and a higher risk of unhealthy weight gain.
Public health experts say the study’s findings highlight the need for stronger government action to address childhood obesity, a growing concern in Australia. Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, noted that obesity has now surpassed tobacco use as the nation’s leading preventable cause of disease. “Around one in four Australian children are overweight, and this silent public health crisis demands urgent attention,” Slevin said.
The Public Health Association is urging the next federal government to regulate toddler food labels and formula marketing more strictly to help parents make informed decisions. Additionally, the organization advocates for universal dental care under Medicare, ensuring all Australian children can access early dental treatment to prevent and address tooth decay.
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