What is a primary benefit of breastfeeding for infants?

Breastfeeding provides a primary benefit for infants by boosting their immunities. Human breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that help protect infants from infections and diseases. It plays a crucial role in building an infant's immune system during the early months of life when they are most vulnerable.

Breastfeeding helps to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, and other illnesses due to the unique composition of nutrients, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and various growth factors, which enhance the infant's immune response. This protective effect is one of the primary reasons health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

While convenience for parents, cost-effectiveness, and rapid weight gain are also considerations related to breastfeeding, they do not collectively match the critical health benefits associated with the immune support that breast milk provides to infants.