Switzerland sees record rise in breastfeeding rates by 2024

Breastfeeding rates in Switzerland have risen significantly over the past decade. New data from 2024 shows that nearly seven in ten infants now receive only breast milk for their first four months. But dietary habits shift as children grow, with some improvements—and lingering concerns—among older kids and teenagers. In 2024, 69 percent of Swiss infants were exclusively breastfed during their first four months. This marks a notable increase from previous years, though exact regional trends remain unclear due to limited data. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding also varied depending on maternal employment: babies of working mothers were breastfed exclusively for an average of 17.4 weeks, while those of non-working mothers were breastfed for 21.8 weeks.

Longer-term breastfeeding has also become more common. In 2024, 53 percent of ten-month-olds still received breast milk at least once a day, compared to just 30 percent in 2014. Meanwhile, the share of one-year-olds given sugary foods or drinks dropped from 50 percent in 2014 to 25 percent in 2024. For older children, dietary patterns show mixed results. Among those aged six to 17, most consume enough macronutrients, but fruit and vegetable intake remains low. Fat consumption in this age group sits at the upper limit of recommended levels. Teenage boys, in particular, stand out for their high protein intake.

The latest figures highlight progress in early-life nutrition, with more infants benefiting from extended breastfeeding. At the same time, the data underscores ongoing challenges in reducing sugar consumption among toddlers and improving fruit and vegetable intake among older children. These trends provide a snapshot of Switzerland's evolving dietary habits across different age groups.