Child-led weaning occurs when a child no longer has a need to nurse — nutritionally or emotionally. A baby who self-weans is usually well over a year old , is getting most of his nutrition from solids, is drinking well from a cup, and cuts down on nursing gradually. If children are truly allowed to self-wean in their own time, most will do so somewhere between the 2nd and 4th year. Obviously, some will wean before this time and some will wean after this time, too. Be aware of any signs that the weaning process is going too quickly for your child and be ready to slow things down some if necessary.
Start by substituting one feed. When one feed is going well, substitute another feed, and so on. Continue this way, substituting one feed at a time. The pace is up to you and your baby , but in general, the slower the better. You can start with a liquid such as expressed breast milk in a bottle or cup or a complementary food after about 6 months of age.
Hold and cuddle your baby if you are feeding from a bottle. This extra closeness will help both of you during the weaning process. Never prop a bottle. Bottle propping can put your baby at risk for choking and causes early childhood caries.
Watch the cues you give to your baby. If you have to take a medication, talk to your doctor. There are very few medications that require you to stop breastfeeding. If you are very sick, or if you and your baby have to be separated or a long time, try some of the suggestions for caring for your breasts described below. If your breasts get uncomfortable, express your milk to avoid blocked ducts, mastitis or a breast abscess. Babies who are sick should NOT be abruptly weaned. You can pump and store breast milk until your baby can take it again.
What complementary foods can I give my baby? My baby is refusing the breast. Here are some tips to encourage your baby to start breastfeeding again: Make feeding time special and quiet; try to limit distractions. Sometimes, as babies get older, they are more interested in looking at the things happening around them then focusing on nursing.
It is possible to wean during the day but only nurse at night as the nighttime feeding is usually the last to go. Or wean at night but still allow nursing during the day.
It does not need to be all or nothing. The nap and bedtime nursings are often the last to go and can be more difficult. La Leche League does not advocate for any sleep-training techniques that includes children being left to cry for long periods of time.
Staying close to your little one to allow for quick attention before they are fully awake can also help with the overnight times. If you decide to wean the nighttime feeding, make a bedtime routine not centered around breastfeeding. A good book or two will eventually become more important than a long session at the breast. Your child may agree to rest his head on your breast instead of feeding.
Increased tantrums, regressive behaviors, anxiety, increase in night waking, new fear of separation, and clinginess are all possible signs that weaning is going too quickly for your child.
Illness and teething can also interfere with weaning and it might be necessary to take a break. Your child may be old enough for you to simply explain to him that you feel it is time to wean. Many children his age or older can understand the concept of stopping nursing. Some mothers allow the child to choose a coveted toy and buy it after weaning, or buy it before weaning and wrap it up on to be put on a shelf for when the weaning day or weaning party comes.
Obviously, these techniques will not work if the child is extremely resistant to weaning, but many mothers have used them with success. Remember that he will have a continued, perhaps even deepened, need for closeness with you. Weaning can be a difficult time both for mother and child. A La Leche League Leader or group can help you to feel less alone as you go through this big step.
You might have mixed emotions about letting go. But by taking a gradual approach to weaning — and offering lots of affection — you can help your child make a smooth transition to a bottle or cup.
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