Investigating a new bottle nipple design to improve infant feeding performance
Official title: The impact of a biomimetic nipple on infant performance during breast and bottle feeding
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-10709900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new bottle nipple design that works more like breastfeeding to help babies feed better, especially for those who switch between breast and bottle, and it’s being done using pigs to see how it compares to regular bottle nipples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD105294-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants, particularly those who are transitioning between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are exclusively breastfed without any need for bottle feeding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a novel bottle nipple design that mimics the natural breastfeeding process to enhance infant feeding performance. By using an animal model, specifically pigs, the study aims to compare the feeding mechanics of traditional bottle nipples with a new lactiferous design that better aligns with human breastfeeding physiology. The goal is to identify how this biomimetic approach can improve sucking and swallowing for infants who are bottle-fed, potentially easing the transition between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. The findings could lead to the development of improved feeding products for infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better feeding solutions for infants, reducing feeding difficulties and improving overall infant nutrition.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of biomimetic designs is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving feeding techniques, suggesting potential success for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: German, Rebecca Z — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: German, Rebecca Z
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.