A Comparison of the Effects of Cradle and Cross-Cradle Breastfeeding Positions on Weight Gain Pattern in Term Newborns.
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of cradle and cross-cradle breastfeeding positions on infant weight gain, maternal comfort, latch quality, and infant urine output during the first three months postpartum.
Methodology: This prospective comparative study included 100 healthy term neonates and their mothers, randomly assigned to either the cradle hold (n = 50) or the cross-cradle hold (n = 50). Infant weight was measured at birth and at 1, 2, and 3 months.Maternal comfort and latch quality were assessed using the LATCH scoring system at 1 and 3 months postpartum. The frequency of wet diapers was recorded as an indicator of hydration.Appropriate statistical tests were used for group comparisons.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean infant weight at any time point between the cradle and cross-cradle groups (3 months: 6250 ± 460 g vs. 6380 ± 445 g).However, infants in the cross-cradle group demonstrated a significantly higher wet diaper frequency during the first three days of life (p < 0.05). Maternal comfort scores were significantly higher in the cross-cradle group at both 1 month (4.2 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001) and 3 months (4.5 vs. 4.0). LATCH scores were also consistently higher in the cross-cradle group.
Conclusion: While infant weight gain did not differ between the two breastfeeding positions, the cross-cradle hold was associated with improved hydration indicators, greater maternal comfort, and better latch quality. This suggests that cross-cradle position may enhance breastfeeding effectiveness without compromising infant growth.