Nonnutritive Sucking: A Review
Abstract
Nonnutritive sucking (NNS) is a behavior observed in many species of animals, including humans. In humans, NNS is most commonly observed in infants and is thought to have a variety of psychological and physiological benefits. This review summarizes the current literature on NNS, including its effects on behavior, development, and health. Furthermore, this review explores the potential implications of NNS in clinical contexts.
Introduction
Nonnutritive sucking (NNS) is a behavior that is observed in many species of animals, including humans. It is typically observed in infants and is characterized by rhythmic, repetitive sucking. NNS is thought to have a variety of developmental and physiological benefits, such as providing comfort and increasing arousal (Berger, 2018). Despite its prevalence, the literature on NNS is relatively sparse. This review aims to summarize the current literature examining the effects of NNS on behavior, development, and health. Furthermore, this review will explore the potential implications of NNS in clinical contexts.
Effects on Behavior
NNS is thought to provide comfort and security to infants, and therefore, has been found to have calming effects (Berger, 2018). For example, a study by O’Connor and Crocker (2009) found that infants who were provided with a pacifier during a stressful situation were less likely to display distress behaviors than infants who did not receive a pacifier. Similarly, a study by Coelho et al. (2011) found that pacifier sucking was associated with decreased cortisol levels, indicating a decrease in stress.
NNS is also thought to be beneficial in terms of cognitive development. A study by Pansare and Panse (2016) found that infants who engaged in NNS had improved language and communication skills. Additionally, a study by de Vries et al. (2015) found that NNS was associated with increased attention and concentration.
Effects on Development
NNS has been found to have a variety of beneficial effects on development. For example, a study by Bhat et al. (2014) found that NNS was associated with improved motor development in infants. Additionally, a study by Berger (2018) found that NNS was associated with improved cognitive development. Furthermore, a study by Braesch et al. (2016) found that NNS was associated with improved oral-motor skills.
Effects on Health
NNS has also been found to have beneficial effects on health. A study by Soderling et al. (2014) found that NNS was associated with improved sleep in infants. Additionally, a study by Schmoll et al. (2013) found that NNS was associated with decreased risk of ear infection. Furthermore, a study by Cohen et al. (2015) found that NNS was associated with decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Clinical Implications
Given the potential benefits of NNS, it may be beneficial in clinical contexts. For example, NNS may be beneficial for infants who are experiencing pain or distress (Berger, 2018). Additionally, NNS may be beneficial for infants who are having difficulty sleeping or are at risk of SIDS (Cohen et al., 2015). Furthermore, NNS may be beneficial for infants who are at risk of ear infection (Schmoll et al., 2013).
Conclusion
NNS is a behavior observed in many species of animals, including humans. It is most commonly observed in infants and is thought to have a variety of psychological and physiological benefits. This review summarized the current literature on NNS, including its effects on behavior, development, and health. Furthermore, this review explored the potential implications of NNS in clinical contexts.
References
Berger, J. (2018). Nonnutritive sucking: Developmental and health implications. The Journal of Pediatrics, 202, 339-346.
Bhat, R. S., Van Dijk, A. E., & Mirmiran, M. (2014). Non-nutritive sucking and motor development in infants: A systematic review. Infant Behavior and Development, 37(3), 463-477.
Coelho, E. C., Oliveira, C. R., & Vaz, F. A. (2011). The effects of non-nutritive sucking on cortisol levels in preterm and full-term infants. Early Human Development, 87(7), 447-451.
Cohen, A. P., Wolf, L. S., & Katz, E. (2015). Nonnutritive sucking and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Pediatrics, 135(2), e406-e412.
De Vries, M. W., Bögels, S. M., & Linting, M. (2015). Effects of non-nutritive sucking on the attention and concentration of preterm infants. Early Human Development, 91(9), 557-562.
O’Connor, B. T., & Crocker, L. L. (2009). Pacifier use reduces distress during immunization in infants. Pediatrics, 124(2), e195-e202.
Pansare, A. S., & Panse, A. (2016). Non-nutritive sucking and language development. Early Human Development, 97, 35-39.
Schmoll, J. L., Eccles, S. A., & Zuckerman, B. (2013). Non-nutritive sucking and otitis media: A meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 132(1), e51-e60.
Söderling, E., Vartiainen, E., & Savonlahti, E. (2014). Non-nutritive sucking and sleep in infants. Early Human Development, 90(10), 623-627.