By
Elizabeth Narins, Cosmopolitan
[post_ads_2]
Although existing research
suggests breastfed babies also end up smarter, breast milk's
brain-boosting benefits may wear off by the time those children turn 5,
according to a new study recently published in the journal, Pediatrics.
When researchers asked the parents of 7,478 Irish babies to assess
their kid's vocabulary, problem behaviors, and cognitive skills at age 3
and again at age 5, they found that 3-year-old toddlers who were
breastfed for at least six months had somewhat of an edge over
formula-fed babies. However, breastfed babies appeared to have lost
their lead by the time they turned 5 years old.
[post_ads]Because some women who can't or choose not to breastfeed often end up feeling super guilty, this new research should provide some welcome relief — particularly since experts
are applauding the study for its smart design: Researchers crunched the
numbers in a way that eliminates inherent differences among mothers who
did and did not breastfeed, including socioeconomic status and level of
education, which can significantly affect a child's development and
behavior.
Although the many proven benefits of
breastfeeding suggest you should still nurse (if you can!), you can stop
worrying about messing up your kid's brain for good if you feed them
their first meals from a bottle. Chances are, your baby will turn out
just fine.
