How to Wean Your Baby From Breastfeeding

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By Mitestarossa
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One year old is a good time to wean babies from breastfeeding.

It is best to wean your baby from breastfeeding after at least one year. Some people wean earlier and others wean years later. It is a personal choice, but the longer you breast feed (within reason) the better for the child. Breastfeeding until the child is 3 or 4 years old is common. It is also more difficult to wean older children because they have made breastfeeding a habit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

PICK A DATE - If you just wait until your child wants to quit breastfeeding, you may be waiting an awfully long time. Some children never want to stop on their own. It is best to pick a date and try to stick to it. If your child is old enough to talk, do not make a big deal of it. After you have weaned them you can tell them that they are a big kid now and can drink milk out of a cup. You can let them know that milk only comes when a mother has a baby and they are no longer a baby.
Step 2

LEAVE FOR THE WEEKEND - You need to take a mommy break and leave for at least the weekend or longer if you are able to. If you are not home, it is much easier for the child. Let dad keep the kids and feed them milk and lots of other nutritious food. By the time you return, your child will have missed you more than the breastfeeding.
Step 3

STAY STRONG - When you return do not give in to cries or begging for more breastfeeding. If you do, you will have to repeat the process. Keep your child's tummy full and it will make it easier for them.