An Pediatr (Engl Ed). 2026 Aug 6:504276. doi: 10.1016/j.anpede.2026.504276. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding (BF) has demonstrated multiple benefits for the mother-infant dyad, including immunological protection for the child. This study assessed the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and morbidity during the first two years of life.
METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the LAYDI study. This study was a single-cohort trial to analyze the association between breastfeeding and child development carried out by the Primary Care Pediatric Research Network (PAPenRed) and involving 320 pediatricians. Each pediatrician recruited one newborn per month over one year and followed them up to age 24 months. Demographic, feeding, and morbidity data were collected over seven visits (<15 days, and at 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months).
RESULTS: The sample included 2046 infants. We found that BF had a protective effect against common conditions such as constipation in the early visits (P < .001), and against infectious diseases after adjusting for confounders (“having siblings” and “enrolment in child care center”) (P < .001 at 12 and 18 months). Breastfeeding also offered specific protection against the most frequent acute infections, including otitis media, conjunctivitis, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, and wheezing episodes, which remained statistically significant after adjustment (P < .005). Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) through age 6 months conferred long-term protection, particularly against acute otitis media (at 12, 18, and 24 months [P < .001, P < .004, and P < .036]).
CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding has a protective effect against common gastrointestinal disorders in infancy (constipation, colic, regurgitation) and against infectious diseases. Exclusive BF in the first 6 months provides sustained protection (12-24 months) against the 19 conditions under study, particularly the most prevalent ones. These results support the association between breastfeeding and reduced morbidity extending through at least the age two years.
PMID:42562657 | DOI:10.1016/j.anpede.2026.504276
