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Weaning Your Breastfed Baby
Weaning means helping your baby transition from breastfeeding to using a cup. It's a gradual process that lets your baby learn new skills at their own pace. Some babies find it easier than others, and that's totally okay!
When to Start Weaning:
Health experts recommend breastfeeding for at least the first year. However, you can choose to breastfeed longer if you and your baby are happy with it. Some babies nurse while eating solids well into their second or third year, reaping the health benefits from nursing. Ultimately, the decision is between you and your baby.
Reasons to Wean:
- Mom is Ready: When you're ready to stop.
- Baby is Ready: Your baby shows signs like eating various foods, finding comfort in other ways, preferring play over nursing, losing interest in nursing, falling asleep without nursing, or getting easily distracted.
Reasons Not to Wean:
- Baby Starts Teething: It might be better to wait.
- Baby Over One Year: Weaning is not urgent if your baby is over one.
- Social Pressure: Don't wean because others think you should.
- Working or School: You can still nurse and manage your schedule.
- Nursing Strike: If your baby temporarily refuses to nurse, it’s usually a phase.
- Feeling Overwhelmed: Take it slow and find support.
- Common Colds or Illnesses: Wait until your baby is well.
Steps to Weaning by Age:
0-6 Months:
- Replace one breastfeeding a day with a bottle of iron-fortified formula.
- Start with the feeding your baby wants the least.
- After 4-5 days, replace another feeding.
- Gradually reduce breast milk feeds until down to once a day, then skip a day in between until done.
- If baby refuses formula, mix a small amount with pumped breast milk, increasing the formula amount each day.
- Allow the baby time to adjust to the new taste.
7-12 Months:
- Replace one breastfeeding a day with formula by cup.
- Follow the same steps as for 0-6 months.
Over 12 Months:
- Stop the least favorite nursing time first and offer a meal/snack with water or whole milk.
- After 4-5 days, replace another feeding until all are stopped.
- Offer 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily.
Weaning vs. Nursing Strike:
A nursing strike is when your baby suddenly refuses to nurse and may be unhappy. Causes can include infection, teething, stuffy nose, bottle overuse, routine changes, long separations, medications, or certain foods. It's usually temporary. Keep offering the breast and maintain milk supply by pumping. Ask your breastfeeding peer counselor for more tips!
Weaning Tips:
- If your breasts feel full, hand express or pump just enough to prevent discomfort.
- Gradually remove less milk each day.
- Use ice packs for a few minutes if needed.
- Wear a supportive bra.
- Call a health professional if you notice redness, feel unwell, or have a fever.
- To comfort your baby without nursing: read a story, give hugs, offer a favorite toy, hold or cuddle them, and set a bedtime routine.
- Keep your baby on breast milk or iron-fortified formula until 12 months, even if they use a cup. Then, you can switch to cow’s milk.
- Use a cup without a spout, with handles that fit your baby’s hands.
- 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.
- Be patient—learning to use a cup takes time.
- Start weaning when your baby is feeling good. If they get sick, pause and restart when they’re better.
- Expect your baby to drink less breast milk or formula during weaning.
With these tips, weaning can be a smooth and positive experience for both you and your baby!