Weaning is the process of gradually transitioning a child from breast milk to other foods and drinks. In other words, weaning means to stop breastfeeding. Depending on the age of the child, this may mean switching to infant formula or other types of milk (like cow's milk or soy milk).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of life. Even after introducing solids, the AAP recommends continued breastfeeding up until age 2 or beyond.
Weaning should ideally be a gradual and natural process, in which the child begins to show less interest in breastfeeding and more interest in solid foods and other beverages. With this method, children tend to stop breastfeeding on their own at between 2 and 4 years of age.
Solid foods should be introduced gradually starting at around 6 months of age, along with continued breastfeeding. Breast milk will continue to make up half or more of a baby's nutritional needs from 6 to 12 months of age.
Helpful tips
For those who are ready to stop breastfeeding, the following tips can be helpful for weaning a child off the breast:
1. Decreasing the number of feedings
Decreasing the number of feedings over time is one way of starting to wean a child off the breast. This can be done by dropping a daily feeding, then waiting 1 to 2 weeks before dropping another. This type of weaning should be done gradually to avoid complications like mastitis, breast engorgement, and clogged ducts.
If a child is under 12 months old, feedings should be replaced with a bottle of infant formula. For children older than 12 months, feedings can be replaced by a cup of cow's milk or soy milk. A child may also show signs that they are ready to wean, such as showing less interest in the breast.
2. Decreasing the duration of feedings
Another form of gentle weaning is to decrease the duration of each feeding. For example, if the baby usually nurses for close to 20 minutes on each breast, try cutting them back to 15 minutes per side, gradually reducing the time every week or every month.
With this method, it is important for the mother or other caregiver to find ways to distract the baby with toys or other things that grab their attention. This can help babies forget about the breast and accept the shorter feedings.
3. Having another person feed the baby
It is normal for babies to associate seeing their mothers with the urge to breastfeed. This means that babies may not accept a bottle or solid foods as readily from their mother as from another person. This is a great opportunity for the father or other caregiver to get involved.
If the baby continues to want to nurse, the amount of milk they drink will be less.
4. Not offering the breast
Another tip for weaning is to wait until the child asks to nurse and, if possible, keep postponing the feed. Starting at age 1, babies can eat practically anything. Therefore, the child can eat something else instead of breastfeeding.
5. Giving the child emotional support
Breastfeeding is a moment of closeness between mother and baby. It is important to offer lots of emotional support during the weaning process and to find new ways to maintain that connection.
One way to do this is by using this time for other activities, like playing games, reading books, or singing songs.
Night weaning
Night weaning is usually the last step of the weaning process, and can be done by shortening the feed or gradually dropping it altogether. For night weaning, there is no right age to start.
Before dropping the nighttime feed, it is important that the baby has an established daily routine that involves scheduled meal times, play time, and nap times. This can help the baby wake up fewer times during the night and decrease the desire to nurse.
Preventing the baby from falling asleep on the breast may help break the association between breastfeeding and sleep, however this process may take several months and should not be rushed.
Infant nutrition
Typically, babies start to eat solid foods at around 6 months of life, while continuing to breast or formula feed until at least age 1. Between 6 and 12 months of age, babies may start breastfeeding less during the day as they start eating more solids.
Babies over 12 months old may only want to breast or bottle feed when they wake up and before going to sleep. During the day, foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and dairy products should be offered, as long as there are no allergies or food intolerances.
Check out these baby food recipes.
Children who continue to breastfeed until age 2 and beyond should still be getting used to eating a variety of foods along with the rest of their family. At this point, children should be eating three meals a day with two snacks in between if needed. If weaning after 12 months of age, formula and other supplements are not needed.