A prospective, longitudinal study of feeding skills in a cohort of babies with cleft conditions

Abstract

Objective: To examine the natural history of feeding skills in babies with clefts and identify risk factors and predictors of poor feeding. Participants: Sixty-two babies with clefts were examined at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 14 months of age. Main Outcome Measures: Feeding ability, oral motor function, and feeding efficiency were assessed. Univariate analyses were used to determine whether oral motor function and sequelae varied according to feeding ability or cleft condition. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors for poor feeding. Results: Poor feeding skills were detected in one third of newborns. The prevalence of poor feeding reduced to 19% at 3 months of a..