Question
What are the effects of a baby sucking on an empty bottle?
Answer
Due to the baby’s long-term suction of an empty bottle, the upper and lower front teeth may deform, leading to misaligned teeth. Secondly, the act of sucking on an empty bottle can trigger a reflex that increases the secretion of digestive juices. When it’s time to actually feed the baby, there may be insufficient digestive juices, affecting the absorption and elimination of food, and also impacting appetite. Sucking on an empty bottle can draw in a large amount of air into the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and decreased appetite, which are associated with poor digestion. It may be helpful to provide the baby with a pacifier first, then gradually change this bad habit.