Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of SIDS?
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and research has shown that any amount of breastfeeding helps.
Even breastfeeding for a short time can be protective for your baby. Both exclusive and partial breastfeeding (where you feed your baby with some breastmilk and some formula milk) have been linked to a lower risk of SIDS, but exclusive breastfeeding is linked to the lowest risk.
The NHS has full guidance on breastfeeding and where you can get help.
How long should I breastfeed for?
Breastfeeding for at least two months halves the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and the longer you can continue the more protection it will give your baby. Breast milk contains all the nutrition your baby needs for their first six months of life. Any amount of breastfeeding is protective, but the longer you can continue the more protection it will give your baby. At six months, you can start introducing other foods as well.
The Department of Health now recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for at least six months. After that they recommended that you continue breastfeeding for as long as the mother and baby want, while adding in appropriate weaning foods.
If you’re struggling
Some can find breastfeeding hard. If you’re struggling, talk to your midwife or health visitor and they can support you. Or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 for friendly, non-judgemental support and information.
Frequently asked questions
It has been shown that partial or combination feeding (breast milk and formula) and exclusive breastfeeding have been associated with lower sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rates. Thankfully, SIDS is now very rare. If you bottle feed your baby and follow all the other safer sleep advice then the risk of SIDS is extremely low.
It is not known exactly why, but the research is clear that breast feeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding has many benefits and is the best way to feed your baby regardless of whether you smoke or not. We encourage all parents breastfeed even if you smoke, but smoking has its own risks for you and your baby. Read our advice on smoking for more information and guidance on keeping your baby safe and healthy. For help and advice to stop smoking visit the smokefree NHS website.
Remember
Breastfeeding helps to protect your baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and give them a safe and healthy start in life. Ideally, breastfeed for the first six months, but any amount of breastfeeding is protective. Breastfeeding in combination with formula milk still helps lower the risk of SIDS and there is support available if you’re struggling. Follow our safer sleep advice and for more advice and support, contact your midwife, health visitor or the National Breastfeeding Helpline. Unicef UK also have helpful baby friendly breastfeeding resources.
Every baby safe. Every family supported.
If you found this information helpful, consider donating today to help us reach and help the next parent or carer, just like you. Your kindness will: