How to Wean Your Baby From Breastfeeding

The decision to breastfeed your infant is one of the best things you can do for your baby. The longer you breastfeed, the more your baby benefits from it. Breastfeeding creates a bond with you and your baby that is long lasting. However, the decision to wean your baby may present an unforeseen challenge. After age one, it becomes increasingly more difficult to wean your baby. Babies use nursing time to soothe and comfort themselves. They have to be gradually weaned while becoming more independent.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. When you choose to wean your child is entirely up to you. Make sure that you're ready and most importantly, that your baby is ready. The best way to start is by eliminating one feeding at a time. This will also help with preventing your breast from becoming engorged.

2. Supplement the nursing time with a healthy snack and juice. This will ensure that your baby has a nice full tummy.

3. Each week, eliminate one nursing session. Don't forget to offer your baby more solid foods to replace the breast milk.

4. The hardest nursing times to eliminate are nap time and bed time feedings. You will want to save those for last. When you are ready to begin to wean your baby from night time nursing, be prepared for a little fussing and fighting. A great technique, is to bathe baby first and after your dress them for bed, you can massage their little feet and/or rub their back, while singing a lullaby or play soft music. It's very soothing to the baby and they will be fast asleep in no time.

5. Some babies wean quite easily, other babies not so smoothly. For the reluctant babies you have to be firm. When they reach for your breast and tug and pull, just tell them no and offer them their cup. Explain to them that it's time to be a big boy or girl. Be encouraging, yet firm at the same time. Give plenty of hugs and kisses and "I love you's", but still stand strong on your word. Before you know it, your baby will no longer have the need or desire to nurse. Good luck in your decision!

[apegram]

on 12/14/2009 Thanks for the good advice, especially step 4. Giving up that night time feeding was really hard for us!

[SimplyCuttings]

on 1/1/2009 My daughter is breast-feeding; I'll be sure she reads this one soon. 5 stars and a recommend.

[keytothestars]

on 12/20/2008 Good, gentle weaning advice. It's quite common around the world for children to nurse for two or more years until they wean on their own. Definitely a personal decision. Thanks!

[GreenMomma]

on 12/19/2008 I agree completely, after a year is much more difficult. I weaned at 7 months and at 15 months. My 15 month old was actually hitting me to get breast milk! Thankfully that's all behind us, it was very upsetting for both of us!

[yourmamasaidwha]

on 12/18/2008 this will come in handy in a matter of months...thanks for the helpful tips/article!