How many months should infants ideally be breastfed?

Breastfeeding for a duration of 12 months is considered optimal based on guidelines from health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). During this time, breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that support an infant's growth and immune system. It also helps to foster a strong emotional bond between the mother and the child.

While exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is emphasized as crucial for starting nutritional benefits, extending breastfeeding to one year has numerous advantages. This extended period can provide ongoing nutrition as infants transition to solid foods, ensuring they continue to receive vital nutrients necessary for their development.

As infants begin to eat solid foods, breast milk can complement their diet, offering additional vitamins and minerals. This helps to maintain adequate nutrition, support healthy growth, and reduce the risk of certain health issues.

The other options, although beneficial in their own right, do not encompass the full recommended duration. Six months is the minimum for exclusive breastfeeding, and while breastfeeding for nine or 18 months can have benefits, the 12-month mark is widely recognized by health authorities as a balanced endpoint to support an infant's nutritional needs and overall health during that first critical year.