Breastfed infants seldom get diarrhea, but when they do, it is usually a mild case and easily treated. Breast milk is not contaminated with germs that might cause diarrhea. One study found that bottle-fed babies are 14 times more likely to die from diarrhea than exclusively breastfed infants. This is especially important if your family has a history of allergies. Many babies are allergic to cow s milk formulas.
Some babies are even allergic to soy formulas.
Breastfeeding protects against other allergies, such as atopic eczema, food allergies, and respiratory allergies. These antibodies provide protection for many months. In fact, even after your baby is eating solids and not nursing as often, he will still be getting protective antibodies. In fact, one important study found that for each month of exclusive breastfeeding, the risk of SIDS is reduced by half, when compared to formula-fed infants. It reduces the incidence of breathing problems associated with slower brain development, which is found in formula-fed infants.