Nutrition Swiss babies are breastfed for longer than in the past
Babies in Switzerland are now breastfed for longer than in the past. In 2024, almost seven out of ten babies were exclusively breastfed for the first four months of their lives, according to a new study. In 2014, it was still six out of ten.
13.11.2025, 12:00
SDA
Many children are still breastfed at ten months, as the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) announced on Thursday. According to the new FSVO Breastfeeding Study, 53% of ten-month-old babies were still receiving breast milk at least once a day in 2024, compared to just 30% in 2014.
On average, working mothers breastfeed for a slightly shorter time than non-working mothers. Babies of working mothers were fed only breast milk for an average of 17.4 weeks, compared to 21.8 weeks for non-working mothers.
In addition, significantly fewer babies received sugar. According to the new study, only a quarter of children were given sugary foods or drinks at 12 months. That is half as many as ten years ago.
Another study published by the FSVO on Thursday examined the diet of children between the ages of 6 and 17. This study was conducted for the first time. The result: the majority of children consume enough of the main nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and dietary fibers. However, according to the FSVO, snacks and sweet drinks are often on the children's menu, while fruit and vegetables are rarely eaten.
