June 20, 2011
Breastfed babies are less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
University of Virginia researchers went over the data in 18 studies on SIDS and breastfed infants.
They found the rate of SIDS was sixty percent lower in breastfed infants, and 70% lower in infants who had only breast milk, not formula as well.
Study authors note more research is needed to see if the duration of breast-feeding affects the risk of SIDS.
Findings appear in the journal 'Pediatrics.'