One baby has been named the winner of the first ever Breastfed Baby Photo Exhibit.

Infant Nylan Tyrrell beat out more than 80 others to be named the People's Choice Winner.

The Photo Exhibit was put on by the Department of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board and La Leche League.

They launched the project to educate families about the health benefits of nursing for both mothers and newborns. They also hoped to encourage more women to choose breastfeeding.

Nylan's parents Nekisha Tyrrell and Nathan Richardson said they were thrilled by the news.

Mom said: "I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my son. From the first moment when he latched on I have loved the closeness and the fact that everything he needed for the best start in life came from me. We both still enjoy nursing."

Other winners include Annmarie and Joshua Jarrett, Narai Franklin, Jayden Cann, Azae and Azure Burrows, Ryan Roberts, Andre-Che'Alay Hollinsid, Amelia Powell, Austin Smith, Shamay Taylor-Bhagwan, Sarah Steel-Smith and baby Ashton.

The World Health Organization recommends babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

A recent study showed Bermudians mothers were breastfeeding in high numbers, but less than one percent were following the recommended guidelines.

Leader Melony Kendell, of La Leche League said: "This campaign was intended to promote our message that breastfeeding provides newborns with optimal growth and development and is the best source of nourishment for babies.

"Health care professionals in our community recognise the importance to providing support to mothers choosing to breastfeed and we are all working together to assure women have access to consistent and accurate information."

For more information on breastfeeding call La Leche League on 236-1120, the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic on 278-6475 or the Maternity team on 239-1325.