Finding better bottles to help prevent obesity in infants

AB3: Assessing Better Bottles for Babies

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11079599

This study is looking at how the size and see-through-ness of baby bottles can affect how much weight babies gain, with the goal of helping bottle-fed infants stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight later on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11079599 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the size and opacity of baby bottles can influence weight gain in infants. It aims to reduce excessive weight gain among bottle-fed infants, who are at a higher risk for obesity later in life. The study will test two innovative strategies: using smaller bottles and bottles that are less transparent to help caregivers better respond to infants' hunger cues. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to develop effective interventions for preventing obesity from an early age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants who are predominantly bottle-fed and their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are exclusively breastfed or those who do not use bottles for feeding may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new guidelines for bottle feeding that help prevent obesity in infants and reduce long-term health risks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting bottle size and feeding practices can be effective, suggesting a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.