Infant Feeding Statistics Scotland

The new Scottish Infant Feeding Statistics for 2019/20 have recently been published by Public Health Scotland

Main points from the report include:

• Overall breastfeeding rates are increasing in Scotland, mainly due to the increase in mixed breast and formula feeding
• Almost two thirds (65%) of babies born in Scotland in financial year 2019 to 2020 were breastfed for at least some time after their birth
• More than half (53%) of babies were being breastfed at 10 to 14 days of age in financial year 2019 to 2020 – this has increased from 44% in financial year 2002 to 2003
• The percentage of babies being breastfed at 6 to 8 weeks of age has increased from 36% of babies in financial year 2002 to 2003 to 44% in financial year 2019 to 2020
• In financial year 2019 to 2020, one in five toddlers were still being breastfed at 13 to 15 months of age
• There are marked inequalities in breastfeeding, with babies of older mothers, and those in less deprived areas of Scotland more likely to be breast fed. However, there have been recent improvements in breastfeeding rates in younger mothers and those from more deprived areas.
• In financial year 2019 to 2020, 74% of toddlers had been introduced to solid food at six months of age or older. Only 1% had been started on solids at less than four months of age.

To download the full report, visit Public Health Scotland’s website here.