Like all steps in child development, weaning age varies from one child to another. Whether it’s the mother or child who begins the process, various factors affect weaning: the child’s age and temperament, the mother’s feelings and the approach used.

Give yourself the time it takes. Pay attention to your child and stay flexible. If possible, it’s better to delay weaning a sick child. He needs his mother’s milk and the comfort that comes from breastfeeding.

You want to cut down the number of feedings but not yet wean your child? This can be done, but remember that some children lose interest in the breast and wean themselves more quickly than their mothers want. This is more common if you use a baby bottle regularly.

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Weaning babies less than 9 months old

Weaning babies older than 9 months

Weaning babies less than 9 months old
Milk production declines gradually as stimulation of the breast is reduced. Gradual weaning allows you to avoid swelling and reduces the possibility of mastitis. The time it takes to stop producing milk varies from one woman to another. Four weeks seems enough time to stop completely, and gives your child time to adapt calmly. Weaning faster may be hard on both you and your baby.

Start by replacing one daily breastfeeding with a commercial infant formula enriched with iron, and served in a baby bottle or cup. Between breastfeedings you can soothe your breasts by expressing some milk or by emptying them under a hot shower.

Once you no longer feel overfilled, replace a second feeding when you’re ready. At first, don’t skip two consecutive breastfeedings. You will gradually replace as many breastfeedings as you want. Many mothers continue the main feedings, such as at bedtime and in the morning.

Some mothers feel engorged with milk for a few days after the last breastfeeding. Don’t hesitate to express milk to make yourself comfortable. You can also put the baby to your breast for a few minutes.

Your baby will start drinking from a cup at about 6 months. At first, he will usually only take a small amount of milk. Finish up with a baby bottle if needed. Offer him the cup often, and make sure he’s getting enough milk – it will remain his basic food until he’s a year old, providing the calcium and protein needed to grow.

Some babies won’t like the bottle at any age. That’s normal because a bottle doesn’t seem much like a breast. Be patient and don’t push. In any case, he isn’t likely to accept something new when he’s angry.

Here are a few suggestions to help the transition:

• Begin the change while your child is well and not too hungry.
• Introduce the baby bottle or cup for a snack of milk. Your baby probably won’t take much at first.
• Put the father to work. Quietly find yourself out of the way at feeding time.
• Put breast milk in the baby bottle or cup at first, then try another type of milk.
• Present the bottle or cup in a different way than the breast. Change the routine.
• Be patient. Wait a few days and try again.
• You can always change your mind while weaning, and return to breastfeeding.
• Consult a local help group if needed.