MUMS should breastfeed for at least four months to avoid having naughty kids, experts now advise.

original article : www.thesun.co.uk

It follows one of the biggest studies on breast-feeding yet.

Renowned Oxford University researchers examined the health and behaviour of almost 10,000 mums and their children for five years.

They found that the children who were breastfed for four months or more were far better behaved.

They also socialised better with other kids by their fifth birthday.

Behavioural problems more common among bottle-fed babies ranged from hyperactivity, anxiety and restlessness — to stealing and lying.

The researchers took into account other factors which could influence kids' behaviour — such as time spent with their parents at home.

But breastfed infants were still found to be 30 per cent less likely to be badly behaved.

The team — led by leading UK public health expert Maria Quigley — is unsure what causes the effect.

Nutrients

It could be the bonding process — or breastmilk nutrients such as fatty acids, which boost growth of brain cells.

They called for further studies to investigate the link.

Breast milk has long been known to stave off infections, and reduce the risk of illnesses such as asthma and eczema.

Department of Health guidelines state that women should try to solely breastfeed until babies hit six months.

Many do this, but it is common for others to try for at least the first three months before they switch to a mixture of breast and formula milk.

Large numbers only bottle-feed their babies — due to difficulty feeding, lack of time, or other reasons.

Ms Quigley called on authorities to help mums breastfeed.

She said: "Many struggle to breastfeed for as long as they might otherwise like. They should be given all the support they need."