True or False: Bottle-fed infants bond less effectively with their mothers compared to breastfed infants.

The statement that bottle-fed infants bond less effectively with their mothers compared to breastfed infants is false. Research suggests that the act of feeding, whether through breast or bottle, provides an opportunity for nurturing and bonding between the caregiver and infant. The key factor in developing a strong bond is the quality of interaction during feeding.

Both breast and bottle feeding can involve close physical contact, skin-to-skin interaction, eye contact, and verbal communication, all of which are essential for bonding. The emotional connection is more influenced by responsiveness and the emotional attunement of the caregiver rather than the method of feeding itself. Therefore, bottle-fed infants are just as capable of forming strong bonds with their mothers as those who are breastfed.