Arch Dis Child 2001;85:183-188 ( September )

Article

Breast feeding and cognitive development at age 1 and 5 years N K Angelsen^a, T Vik^a, G Jacobsen^a, L S Bakketeig^b

^a Department of Community Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway, ^b Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark B Odense University, Sdr. Boulevard 23A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark

Correspondence to: Dr Vik torstein.vik{at}medisin.ntnu.no

Accepted 8 May 2001

AIMTo examine whether duration of breast feeding has any effect on a child's cognitive or motor development in a population with favourable environmental conditions and a high prevalence of breast feeding.
METHODSIn 345 Scandinavian children, data on breast feeding were prospectively recorded during the first year of life, and neuromotor development was assessed at 1 and 5 years of age. Main outcome measures were Bayley's Scales of Infant Development at age 13 months (Mental Index, MDI; Psychomotor Index, PDI), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI-R), and Peabody Developmental Scales at age 5.
RESULTSChildren breast fed for less than 3 months had an increased risk, compared to children breast fed for at least 6 months, of a test score below the median value of MDI at 13 months and of WPPSI-R at 5 years. Maternal age, maternal intelligence (Raven score), maternal education, and smoking in pregnancy were significant confounders, but the increased risk of lower MDI and total IQ scores persisted after adjustment for each of these factors. We found no clear association between duration of breast feeding and motor development at 13 months or 5 years of age.
CONCLUSIONOur data suggest that a longer duration of breast feeding benefits cognitive development.


Keywords: breast feeding; motor skills; mental development

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© 2001 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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