Breastfeeding mums less likely to give baby sugary treats

Research has shown that breastfeeding helps establish healthy dietary behaviours later in childhood. — dpa

Mothers who breastfeed their babies for more than six months are less likely to give them treats like chocolate, crisps and sugary drinks before they turn one, according to a study.

Fewer than half of all infants under half a year old are exclusively breastfed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and promoting breastfeeding where possible could help establish healthy eating from a young age, researchers suggested.