How to Wean an Older Baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies until they are at least 1 year old. Some mothers decide to continue breastfeeding even after the child's first birthday. For these women, it may become more difficult to wean the baby when they decide to discontinue breastfeeding, because the baby has gotten used to this type of feeding and it has become a habit. If you have an older baby and have decided it is time to wean her, you can do so successfully with a few tips.
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Instructions
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Devote two to three weeks of time to trying to wean your baby. Do not try to take a family vacation or introduce other big changes during this time.
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Nurse your baby only when he insists on nursing. By not offering to nurse him, unless he is persistent, you can help your baby get out of the nursing routine.
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Feed your baby adequate meals and snacks to minimize hunger. Make sure you give her plenty of fluids to avoid her getting thirsty and wanting to nurse to obtain fluids.
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Do different activities in place of when you would normally nurse. For example, if you nursed around 11 a.m. daily, try playing a game or giving your baby a bath during this time to take his mind off of wanting to be nursed.
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Set nursing time limits for your baby if she is old enough to understand. For example, tell your baby that you are only going to nurse for 10 minutes and set a timer. When it goes off, explain to her that you are finished nursing her for now.
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Tips & Warnings
If your baby has a very difficult time letting go of nursing during a certain time of day, consider only nursing during that one time and not at any other time, until your baby is ready to be completely weaned.
References
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