What are some potential infant risks associated with not breastfeeding?

The selection highlighting the higher incidence of respiratory tract infections as a risk associated with not breastfeeding is accurate. Research consistently shows that breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help strengthen an infant's immune system. Infants who are not breastfed tend to miss out on the protective components found in breast milk, such as immunoglobulins, which play a critical role in defending against infections, particularly respiratory ones. This vulnerability can lead to a higher occurrence of illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Breastfeeding not only supplies nourishment but also conveys passive immunity, which is especially important during the first few months of life when infants are developing their immune systems. As such, the absence of breastfeeding is associated with greater susceptibility to infections, thus reinforcing the idea that breastfeeding plays a crucial role in reducing infant morbidity related to respiratory infections.