Earlier food introduction prevents eczema in breastfed infants
22nd February 2016
By Alice Klein
Breastfeeding infants who are introduced to solid foods at 4-5 months are less likely to develop atopic dermatitis than those who are exclusively breastfed for six months, new research suggests.
The finding supports calls by leading allergy specialists to overhaul NHMRC and WHO guidelines that still recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Among infants who are introduced to solids at 4-5 months while continuing to breastfeed, the risk of atopic dermatitis is 60% lower than in those who are exclusively breastfed for six months, a study of 450 children with atopic