To protect your baby from infections, you should exclusively breastfeed the infant at least for six months. According to a study in Greece, reported recently in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, breastfeeding significantly brings down the risk of childhood infections, such as ear infections, thrush and acute respiratory infections.

According to Fani Ladomenou, a member of the study team of the University of Crete in Herkalion, Greece, “exclusive breastfeeding helps protects infants against common infections and lessens the frequency and severity of infectious episodes not only in developing countries but also in communities with adequate vaccination coverage and healthcare standards”.

The composition of breast milk is believed to enhance the immunity of infants. Antibodies in the mother’s body travel to the infant’s body through breast milk, enabling the child’s immune system to combat harmful microorganisms. However, partial breastfeeding could not effectively protect the infant from infections.

Tags: breastfeeding benefits, infections in children