Table 2

Influence of type of milk feeding (breast feeding for 6 weeks or formula fed) on growth and sleep patterns; measurements at 9 months in preterm infants and 18 months in term infants adjusted for measurements at 12 weeks*

	Preterm infants							Term infants
	Breast feeders			Formula feeders			p	Breast feeders			Formula feeders			p
	n	Mean	SE	n	Mean	SE	p	n	Mean	SE	n	Mean	SE	p
*ANCOVA adjusting for measurement at 12 weeks, weaning behaviour (solids ⩽12 weeks v >12 weeks), milk feeding (breast v formula), gender, and (for term infants) whether AGA or SGA. Adjusted means are shown.
Weight gain (kg)	58	8.31	0.09	409	8.21	0.04	NS	234	10.9	0.06	442	10.7	0.05	0.001
Length gain (cm)	58	70.5	0.28	406	70.5	0.13	NS	234	81.4	0.16	443	80.9	0.12	0.01
Head circumference gain (cm)	58	45.8	0.15	408	45.8	0.07	NS	236	48.3	0.06	444	47.9	0.05	0.001
Triceps skinfold gain (mm)	58	8.26	0.29	408	9.04	0.13	0.01	234	9.1	0.15	442	8.6	0.11	0.01
Subscapular skinfold gain (mm)	58	6.40	0.18	408	6.19	0.08	NS	233	6.3	0.09	442	6.2	0.06	NS
Sleep duration 9 mth (h)	30	11.2	0.2	405	11.0	0.07	NS	413	11.2	0.1	774	11.4	0.06	0.01
Sleep duration 18 mth (h)	26	11.5	0.32	393	11.5	0.1	NS	391	11.5	0.08	731	11.6	0.06	NS