How to Determine If a Child Is Ready to Wean

When to wean a child from breastfeeding is a difficult decision. The World Health Organization endorses breastfeeding a child for the first 24 months of life or longer. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises breastfeeding for the first 6 months followed by a combination of breast milk and solid food until a child is 12 months old. Here are some of the signs to note that indicate a readiness to wean.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Recognize diverted attention during breastfeeding. In spite of being hungry, the child pulls away to play with objects in the room or to chat with mommy.

2. Be aware of heightened interest in solid food. This is one of the strongest signs of readiness to wean. The child will finger the foods of other family members who are eating. The child will gesture toward his mouth and feign chewing.

3. Note disappearance of the solid food gag reflex. A very young child can only swallow liquids. The child gags when given solid foods. With age, the child develops the ability to transfer food from the front of the mouth to the throat for swallowing.

4. Look for signs of neck and head control. A child ready to wean has the musculature necessary to support head and neck movement and to sit up in a high chair.

5. Watch for hunger signs. When a child is ready to wean, past breastfeeding patterns are no longer fully sufficient to meet nutritional needs. The child will insist on more feedings and wake during the night with hunger pangs.

Tips & Warnings

• Wean a child incrementally rather than suddenly.
• The display of signs indicating readiness to wean varies for every child.
• Wait until the household is calm before taking steps to wean a child. Chaotic events will contribute to any stress associated with this change in feeding.

Resources

• For more information go to Breast Feeding Weaning.