Breast IS best! Formula-fed babies eat more sugary treats

BREASTFED babies are less likely to be given sugary drinks or unhealthy snacks before the age of one, a study has found.

Researchers analysed data from 2,730 parents and found positive links between breastfeeding and early infant diets.

They discovered that babies who still received breastmilk at six months and beyond were more likely to have a diet that adhered to official feeding advice.

From six months old, it is recommended babies be introduced to solids, beginning with purées and progressing to fingersized food. Sugar-sweetened drinks and ‘treats’ such as chocolate and crisps should be avoided. The study, published in the Maternal And Child Nutrition journal, found 15% of those breastfed for six months were given unhealthy treats compared with 45% of formula-fed babies.

The researchers, from the University of Glasgow, said the links remained after accounting for socioeconomic factors.

Some 11% of breastfed babies had sugarsweetened drinks compared to 20% of formula-fed babies, and were more likely to start solid food at the recommended age. Lead author Dr Ada Garcia said: ‘We were able to observe that diet inequalities start as early as six to 12 months old.

‘This is worrying, because eating habits are developed and established early in life, and it can be harder to change them later on. Our research suggests continuing to promote breastfeeding where possible may help to protect infants’ health, along with helping to establish healthy dietary behaviours from a young age.’

The researchers also found that, of all the babies surveyed, 20% were solely infant formula-fed while 48% continued breastfeeding beyond six months.

Previous research by Dr Garcia found a large number of commercial baby food products are high in sugar, and as a result may promote a sweet tooth.