Work

Association between breastfeeding indicators and early childhood development: results from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We evaluated the association between breastfeeding indicators and early childhood development (ECD) among Brazilian children. Data from 5,766 children aged 1-23 months from the ENANI-2019 were analyzed. Breastfeeding indicators followed WHO recommendations: (1) 1-5 months: exclusive, predominant, or mixed breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and no breastfeeding; (2) 1-23 months: breastmilk intake and baby bottle use on the previous day. ECD was evaluated with the SWYC-BR. Developmental age was estimated using graded response models, and the developmental quotient (DQ) was calculated by dividing developmental age by chronological age. Multiple linear regression models were fitted. The mean (95%CI) DQ was higher among exclusively breastfed children aged 1-5 months [1.94 (1.72; 2.16)] than those receiving complementary feeding [1.56 (1.46; 1.67)]. Among children aged 1-23 months, DQ was higher in those receiving breastmilk [1.29 (1.24; 1.34)] than those not receiving it [0.99 (0.97; 1.00)], and in those who did not use a baby bottle on the previous day [1.38 (1.31; 1.45)] than in those who did [1.21 (1.17; 1.25)]. In the multiple regression models (β and 95%CI), exclusive breastfeeding was positively associated with DQ among children aged 1-5 months (β = 0.284; 0.093; 0.476, p = 0.004). Among children 1-23 months, receiving breastmilk (β = 0.195; 0.138; 0.252, p < 0.001) and not using a baby bottle on the previous day (β = 0.165; 0.093; 0.237, p < 0.001) were positively associated with DQ. Breastfeeding practices recommended by the WHO were positively associated with DQ.

Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública

DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen244225