What is one benefit of breastfeeding for infants?

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for infants, one of the most significant being resistance to infections. Breast milk contains essential antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), along with other immune-boosting components that help protect infants from various infections. This is crucial, especially during the early months of life when a baby's immune system is still developing. The antibodies in breast milk can help reduce the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, which is vital for an infant's overall health and development.

The other options listed do not reflect the proven benefits of breastfeeding. For instance, an increase in hospitalizations contradicts the evidence that breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of illness and subsequent hospital visits. Slower gastrointestinal (GI) maturity is not a benefit, as breastfeeding is known to promote healthier and more mature GI development compared to formula feeding. Lastly, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of allergies in contrast to the suggestion of a higher risk, as many studies show that breastfeeding may help in lowering the risk of developing allergic conditions later in life. Therefore, the association between breastfeeding and increased resistance to infections is a key benefit underscored by research.