Prevalence and Parental Perceived Efficacy of Rice Cereal in Bottles Used as a Natural Sleep Aid for Infants Aged 0-11 Months

Purpose: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against the routine use of rice cereal in the bottle (RIB) to improve infant sleep patterns. The AAP also states that the use of RIB is a choking hazard and may lead to excessive weight gain. Additionally, RIB as a milk thickening agent can cause a change in stool consistency and result in constipation. Despite the lack of scientific evidence and AAP warnings, it is unclear to what extent parents use RIB as a sleep aid for their children. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed via Amazon MTurk to parents of children aged 0-11 months (n=384). Parents were asked demographic questions, the frequency with which they use RIB as a sleep aid for their infant (Never, Seldom, Sometimes, Most Times), effectiveness of use (No, Moderately, Extremely), and whether side effects were observed (Yes/ No). Parents were then asked if they discussed...