Weaning Formula-Fed Baby


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Weaning Your Formula-Fed Baby

Weaning means helping your baby say goodbye to the bottle and hello to the cup! It's a slow process where babies learn new skills. Some babies catch on quickly, while others take a bit more time.

When to Start Weaning: Try to wean your baby off the bottle by 12-14 months.

Why Weaning is Important:

  1. Prevent Low Iron: Without the bottle, your baby will eat more solid foods rich in iron, preventing low iron levels in their blood.
  2. Keep That Smile Healthy: Drinking from a bottle too long can cause cavities because the liquid stays on the teeth. Drinking from a cup helps avoid this.
  3. Prevent Ear Infections: Lying down with a bottle can cause ear infections. Sit your baby up when feeding and never let them sleep with a bottle.
  4. Avoid Overweight: Drinking too much from a bottle after their first birthday can lead to weight gain. A one-year-old needs 16 ounces or less of milk a day from a cup.
  5. Promote Independence: Drinking from a cup like the rest of the family helps your baby feel more independent.

How to Start Weaning:

  • Start with Daytime Bottles: Begin by weaning the daytime bottles. Morning and bedtime bottles are usually the hardest to give up.
  • Swap Bottles for Cups: Offer a cup instead of a bottle when your baby drinks the least or during family meals.
  • Cut Down Gradually: Slowly reduce the number of bottles and increase the number of cups your baby drinks each day.

Fun Weaning Tips:

  • Keep giving your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula until they’re 12 months old, even if they’re using a cup. Then, you can switch to cow’s milk.
  • Use a cup without a spout, with handles that fit your baby’s hands.
  • Choose a cup with a curved edge to make drinking easier.
  • Start around 6 months by letting your baby take small sips of breast milk, formula, or water from a cup during meals or snacks.
  • Drink from a cup with your baby to show them how it’s done.
  • Be patient! All babies spill when learning to use a cup.
  • Start weaning when your baby is feeling good. If they get sick, pause and start again when they’re better.
  • Expect your baby to drink less breast milk or formula during the weaning process.

With these tips, weaning can be a smooth and positive experience for both you and your baby!

Source: CDC