How to Wean an Infant From Breastfeeding

Weaning an infant from breastfeeding is an important milestone for both mother and child. Since breastfeeding is a habit and a bonding experience for an infant, weaning is the process of introducing the child to new habits for feeding.. Weaning must be done gradually so as not to be a traumatic experience for the baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Gradually reduce the time of each breastfeeding session over the course of one week. If the infant is still hungry, offer baby formula or solid food depending on the age of the baby. Breastfeeding sessions can be gradually reduced over a longer period of time than just a week if needed. The idea is to get the infant used to eating a little bit of baby formula or solid food at each meal.

2. Replace one breastfeeding meal with baby formula or solid food. This should be done only after the infant has gotten used to shorter breastfeeding sessions combined with baby formula or solid food.

3. Replace another breastfeeding meal with baby formula or sold food. This should only be done after the infant has gotten used to the first meal replacement.

4. Replace all breastfeeding meals with baby formula or solid food.

Tips & Warnings

• A lot of infants have trouble giving up bedtime breastfeeding. Bedtime breastfeeding should be the last meal to be weaned.