More babies in Scotland are being breastfed than ever before, with new figures revealing encouraging improvements in infant feeding and the greatest progress taking place in some of the country’s most deprived communities.

The latest Scottish Infant Feeding Statistics for 2025/26 show that seven in ten babies are now breastfed after birth, the highest proportion since records began.

The figures also suggest that mothers who begin breastfeeding are increasingly continuing for longer, marking a significant change in feeding patterns over the past decade.

Among women recorded as breastfeeding, 77% were still doing so when their babies reached six to eight weeks old, compared with 64% in 2016/17.

The improvement is particularly encouraging in communities where breastfeeding rates have historically been lower, with the greatest increases recorded in Scotland’s most deprived areas.

Health officials believe the figures reflect progress in supporting families with infant feeding, although differences between communities remain an important consideration.

To build on that progress, the Scottish Government has announced a new infant feeding survey designed to understand the experiences of mothers and the circumstances influencing how babies are fed.

The research will examine the support available to families, maternal nutrition and the wider social and economic factors that can affect feeding choices.

It will also help identify where additional assistance may be needed, recognising that parents face different circumstances and challenges during the early weeks of a baby’s life.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd welcomed the figures and praised those working to support new parents.

She said:

“Breastfeeding gives babies the best nutritional start in life, so I welcome the news that so many babies in Scotland are now being breastfed.

“I also want to thank all the healthcare staff and their partner organisations who work tirelessly to help new mums to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

“Our new infant feeding survey will complement these annual statistics, providing valuable insight into the experiences of new mothers across Scotland.

“It will enable us to continue reducing inequalities and improve outcomes for women, babies and families across the country.

“We will also continue to support new parents with their infant feeding choices as we know breastfeeding may not be possible for every woman.”

The new survey will complement existing annual statistics by gathering more detailed information about the practical and personal experiences of families.

It is intended to help policymakers and healthcare services understand what support works well and where improvements could make a meaningful difference.

Shereen Fisher, Programme Director of UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative, said:

“The Scottish Infant Feeding Survey is an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mothers’ experiences of feeding and caring for their babies, the support available to them, and the wider factors that shape their experiences.

“Listening to mothers and families, and understanding where inequalities persist, is essential to improving services and ensuring every family receives compassionate, evidence-based support that responds to their needs.

“We welcome the contribution this survey will make to building the evidence and shaping future support for babies and families across Scotland.”

Breastfeeding can offer important nutritional and health benefits, but health professionals also recognise that it is not always possible or appropriate for every mother and baby.

The Scottish Government says its approach will continue to support parents with their individual feeding choices while working to reduce inequalities.

For families across Scotland, the latest figures offer evidence of changing feeding patterns and a renewed focus on ensuring parents receive the information, understanding and practical support they need.

The challenge now is to maintain that progress while making sure no family feels overlooked, whatever feeding choices or circumstances shape the beginning of their child’s life.