When does WHO recommend breastfeeding until?

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding Duration
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding as a fundamental aspect of infant nutrition and health. According to their guidelines, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, without any additional food or drink, not even water, during this period. This practice is crucial as it provides all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that infants need for healthy growth and development.
Continued Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months
After the initial six months, WHO advises that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of appropriate complementary foods. This transition typically begins around six months of age, but the organization strongly recommends that breastfeeding continue for up to two years or beyond, as long as it is mutually desired by both the mother and the child . This extended breastfeeding period supports ongoing nutritional needs and fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child.
Importance of Support for Breastfeeding
The WHO also highlights that virtually all mothers can successfully breastfeed if they receive the right information and support from their families, healthcare systems, and society. This support is essential not only for the health of the infant but also for the well-being of the mother.
In summary, the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for up to two years or more, depending on the preferences of the mother and child. This approach is designed to optimize health outcomes for both infants and mothers, reinforcing the critical role of breastfeeding in early childhood development.

How long do pediatricians recommend breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

When to stop breastfeeding World Health Organization?

In order to achieve optimal young child growth and development, WHO recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life (1). Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (2).

WHO recommends breastfeeding until age 2?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.

When do most moms stop breastfeeding?

But although 96% of children are breastfed soon after birth, only 15% of mums are still breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later. So, what’s preventing some parents from continuing to breastfeed, and how can they persist with longer-term breastfeeding, if that’s their wish?

WHO recommended age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning.

When do pediatricians recommend stopping breastfeeding?

The AAP recommends mothers breastfeed (or use pumped milk) until 12 months. After 12 months, they recommend continued nursing “if you and your baby desire it”. The AAP does not recommend an upper age limit for weaning from breastfeeding.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

What is the average age to stop breastfeeding in the world?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

How long does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used. From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age or beyond.

How long does the CDC recommend breastfeeding?

How long should infants be breastfed? Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until children are 12 months or older.