Background

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant feeding and plays a critical role in child survival, growth, development, and disease prevention. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding up to two years of age or beyond. Despite these recommendations, breastfeeding practices vary significantly across regions due to social, cultural, economic, and healthcare-related factors.

Objective

To evaluate breastfeeding practices and their association with infant health outcomes, including growth, immunity, cognitive development, nutritional status, and disease prevention.

Methods

A narrative review and analytical synthesis of published literature from 2015–2025 was conducted. Studies addressing breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, duration, infant morbidity, mortality, growth, neurodevelopment, and long-term health outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding were associated with reduced risks of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, obesity, diabetes, allergic disorders, childhood leukemia, and infant mortality. Breastfed infants demonstrated improved immune protection, better cognitive development, and favorable long-term health outcomes. Challenges to optimal breastfeeding included maternal employment, inadequate support systems, cultural misconceptions, and healthcare access barriers.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for improving infant health outcomes. Strengthening breastfeeding promotion programs, maternal education, healthcare support, and policy initiatives is essential for optimizing child health globally.