GENEVA, CH — The World Health Organization says infant feeding is one of the most important building blocks of child health, especially during the first two years of life. That window affects survival, growth, brain development, and later disease risk. The guidance is broad, but the message is simple: breastfeeding early, feeding well, and adding safe complementary foods on time can make a lasting difference.
1. The first hour after birth can matter a lot
WHO and UNICEF recommend starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, then feeding only breast milk for the first six months. After that, children should keep breastfeeding while nutritious, safe complementary foods are added. The agency says this early start helps protect infants from infections and supports healthy development during a period when their needs are changing quickly. It is one of the most emphasized steps in the guidance.
2. Malnutrition remains tied to millions of child deaths
WHO cites estimates that in 2024 about 150 million children under age 5 were stunted, 43 million were wasted, and 36 million were living with overweight. The organization also says roughly half of all child deaths are associated with malnutrition. In 2021, maternal and child malnutrition was estimated to be linked to 2.4 million child deaths each year, more than 50% of all child deaths. The scale is a reminder that feeding is not a side issue.
3. Exclusive breastfeeding is still far from universal
Worldwide, only about 47% of infants ages 0 to 6 months were exclusively breastfed during the period from 2018 to 2025, according to WHO. The agency says that figure falls short of what is needed to protect more children from pneumonia, diarrhea, and other infections. It estimates that nearly 400,000 deaths among children under 5 could be prevented each year if all babies were exclusively breastfed for six months and then continued breastfeeding up to age 2 or beyond.
4. Breast milk still feeds older babies and toddlers
WHO stresses that breast milk remains valuable well after the first months. For children ages 6 to 12 months, it can provide half or more of energy needs, and between 12 and 24 months it can still provide about one-third. The agency also notes that breast milk becomes especially important during illness and can reduce mortality among malnourished children. In practical terms, breastfeeding is not just for newborns.
5. Better breastfeeding support pays off
WHO says underfunding breastfeeding programs carries a heavy price, with estimated global economic losses of US$339 billion a year. By contrast, scaling up evidence-based support, including counseling and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, could return about $59 for every $1 invested. The gains are tied to stronger cognitive development, better schooling, and higher productivity later in life. WHO also says these steps can be improved over just a few years.
6. Mothers benefit too, not only babies
The organization says longer breastfeeding also supports maternal health. Among the reported benefits are lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer, longer spacing between pregnancies because exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility, and reduced all-cause mortality. WHO’s guidance highlights that breastfeeding support should be part of care for families, not just advice given once and left there. The benefits reach beyond infancy and into adulthood.
7. Complementary foods should begin around 6 months
Around 6 months, breast milk alone no longer meets all of a child’s energy and nutrient needs, so complementary foods should be added. WHO recommends starting with small amounts and gradually increasing both the quantity and variety of foods, while also increasing meal frequency as children grow. For ages 6 to 8 months, it suggests 2 to 3 meals a day; for 9 to 23 months, 3 to 4 meals plus 1 to 2 snacks as needed. During illness, children should get more fluids and more frequent feeding.
8. Families facing hardship need extra feeding support
WHO says breastfeeding is still the preferred feeding option in most difficult situations, including for low-birth-weight or premature infants, adolescent mothers, children who are malnourished, and families affected by complex emergencies. It also says mothers living with HIV can breastfeed safely when they are on lifelong antiretroviral therapy and supported to stay on treatment. In those settings, the agency recommends breastfeeding within the first hour, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding for at least 12 months and up to 24 months or longer.
Wrap-up: a public health message built around the first 2 years
WHO’s core point is that infant and young child feeding is one of the fastest ways to improve survival and healthy development. Its guidance calls for support at home, in clinics, and in maternity services, from counseling to rooming-in to limits on formula marketing. The first two years, the agency says, are a small stretch of time with unusually large effects.
