Bottle-Weaning Recommendations Among Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentists.

The purpose of this study was to determine how pediatricians (MDs) and pediatric dentists (PDs) interpret professional associations' guidelines for weaning of bottle-fed infants and assess ensuing provider recommendations. A survey was sent to 11,479 MDs and PDs. 721 MDs and 1,005 PDs responded, yielding an overall response of 1,726 (15 percent). MDs (88 percent) and PDs (87 percent) responded that weaning is a transitional time period with both a start and a finish. Most MDs (76 percent) and PDs (62 percent) selected 12 and 15 months, respectively, for finishing weaning. Both MDs (91 percent) and PDs (89 percent) answered that complete bottle unavailability represented weaning cessation. MDs (71 percent) and PDs (84 percent) strongly agreed on importance for a pediatrician's weaning recommendations, with MDs more frequently giving recommendations (two to three visits) than PDs (one to two visits). Guidelines relating to bottle-fed infants are not uniformly understood by MDs and PDs. Bottle-weaning recommendations of MDs and PDs vary. There are well-documented risks of prolonged bottle use. Thus, development of clear, preventive guidelines that address the timely and complete removal of a bottle are warranted.