Examining the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Duration and Early Child Motor Development in Underserved Hispanic Preschoolers

This cross-sectional study explores the relationship between breastfeeding duration and motor development in underserved Hispanic preschoolers. Although the benefits of early infant nutrition, particularly breastfeeding, are well-documented for both short-term health and long-term development, there is limited research on its specific impact on motor skills in preschool-aged children, especially within underserved Hispanic communities. To address this gap, the study examined the relationship between breastfeeding duration and gross motor skills in 121 healthy, full-term Hispanic children aged three to five years, recruited from early childhood education centers in Phoenix, Arizona. Breastfeeding duration was gathered through phone surveys, and motor development was assessed using the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) Motor Skills Protocol, focusing on activities such as sliding, leaping, hopping, and skipping. The results revealed age-related differences in motor skills, with five-year-olds outperforming three-year-olds in sliding (mean difference = 1.37, p = 0.016), leaping (mean difference = 1.17, p < 0.001), and hopping (mean difference = 2.05, p = 0.002). Additionally, females scored higher than males in leaping (mean difference = 0.46, p = 0.029), with a medium effect size (D = -0.51). Regarding breastfeeding duration, children who were combination-fed for at least four months had higher leaping scores (M = 1.5, SD = 0.9) compared to those who were not breastfed. This study suggests that breastfeeding, in combination with solids and/or formula, may be associated with meeting motor milestones among Hispanic preschool children. These findings emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the impact of breastfeeding on motor development in early childhood.