Effectiveness of A Multistimulation Approach on the Feeding Habits of Low Birth Weight Infants: A Narrative Review


Authors : Nongmeikapam Helena; Dr. Rajeev Kumar Thapar; Dr. R.Sreeraja Kumar; Dr. T.David Ratna Paul; Dr. Lalit Pratap Chandravanshi; Dr. Imran Khan; Dr. Sonal Chand

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4pd7bj4e

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun715

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Background: Feeding difficulties are prevalent among low birth weight (LBW) infants due to underdeveloped oral-motor skills, immature neurological systems, and prolonged hospitalisation. A multistimulation approach—combining oral, tactile, visual, and auditory interventions—has emerged as a non-invasive method to enhance feeding behaviour and outcomes in this population.  Objective: To review current evidence on the effectiveness of multistimulation techniques in improving feeding habits of low birth weight infants and to explore their clinical applicability.  Methods: A narrative review was conducted by sourcing articles from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar published between 2000 and 2024. Studies involving LBW or preterm infants and employing multistimulation or sensory- based interventions aimed at improving feeding were included.  Results: Evidence suggests that multistimulation significantly improves feeding readiness, oral-motor coordination, and transition to oral feeding in LBW infants. Interventions combining sensory modalities—particularly oral and tactile—show consistent benefits. Caregiver involvement enhances outcomes further.  Conclusion: The multistimulation approach represents a promising strategy to support feeding in LBW infants. Early implementation could reduce hospitalization, improve nutritional intake, and promote neurodevelopment.

Keywords : Low Birth Weight Infants, Multistimulation, Feeding Behaviour, Sensory Stimulation, Oral-Motor Development, Neonatal Care

References :

  1. Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child. Western Psychological Services.
  2. Fucile, S., Gisel, E. G., & Lau, C. (2002). Oral stimulation accelerates the transition from tube to oral feeding in preterm infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, 141(2), 230–236.
  3. Giannì, M. L., et al. (2016). Feeding readiness in preterm infants: a systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 89, 61–66.
  4. Lau, C. (2015). Development of suck and swallow mechanisms in infants. Ann Nutr Metab, 66(Suppl 5), 7–14.
  5. Pados, B. F., et al. (2016). Feeding interventions for infants with feeding problems: A systematic review. J Pediatr Health Care, 30(3), 249–260.
  6. Rommel, N., et al. (2003). Pediatric feeding disorders: a review of the pathophysiology and etiologies. Dev Med Child Neurol, 45(1), 1–10.
  7. White-Traut, R. C., et al. (2009). Multisensory interventions for preterm infants: A meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 38(3), 276–286.
  8. World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Guideline: Optimal feeding of low birth-weight infants in low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Feeding difficulties are prevalent among low birth weight (LBW) infants due to underdeveloped oral-motor skills, immature neurological systems, and prolonged hospitalisation. A multistimulation approach—combining oral, tactile, visual, and auditory interventions—has emerged as a non-invasive method to enhance feeding behaviour and outcomes in this population.  Objective: To review current evidence on the effectiveness of multistimulation techniques in improving feeding habits of low birth weight infants and to explore their clinical applicability.  Methods: A narrative review was conducted by sourcing articles from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar published between 2000 and 2024. Studies involving LBW or preterm infants and employing multistimulation or sensory- based interventions aimed at improving feeding were included.  Results: Evidence suggests that multistimulation significantly improves feeding readiness, oral-motor coordination, and transition to oral feeding in LBW infants. Interventions combining sensory modalities—particularly oral and tactile—show consistent benefits. Caregiver involvement enhances outcomes further.  Conclusion: The multistimulation approach represents a promising strategy to support feeding in LBW infants. Early implementation could reduce hospitalization, improve nutritional intake, and promote neurodevelopment.

Keywords : Low Birth Weight Infants, Multistimulation, Feeding Behaviour, Sensory Stimulation, Oral-Motor Development, Neonatal Care

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