No matter what your reason is for wanting to wean your baby, it's important to make sure you're ready before beginning, as it can be challenging physically and emotionally. The La Leche League website recommends not weaning suddenly if it can be avoided, as this can cause painful engorgement of the breasts or even infection in some cases. If possible, it's also a good idea to not begin weaning in the midst of a major change, such as during a move to a new home. This is a stressful enough time for both mom and baby.
Enlist Help
Some babies will refuse a bottle or cup offered by mom, as the baby knows that mom is the one who can nurse. In this case, it can be helpful to have someone else, such as the dad or grandma, give the feeding if possible. This is also the time to begin showing as much extra attention and love as possible, as the baby can find weaning stressful and will need the extra reassurance. Plan fun things to do during the day, such as a trip to the park, to make special time together and help keep the baby distracted.
Replace One Feeding
For babies younger than a year old, switch out one feeding a day with a bottle of formula. Babies that are over a year can have water, juice, a snack or milk in place of a nursing session. It is best to replace the midday feeding first because there is often so much else going on during the day that the baby might not fight the change as much. According to Kids Health from Nemours, a good plan of action is to remove one feeding per day each week until the child is not nursing at all.
Develop New Bedtime Routines
The last breastfeeding session of the night is usually the last to go, and the hardest for the baby to give up. When all other feedings have been replaced and it's time to let that session go, make a nighttime routine that doesn't revolve around nursing, such as a bath, story and rocking after a bottle. Sometimes babies will be satisfied with extra cuddling time before bed to make up for not nursing. Other mothers decide to keep nursing only before bed for awhile; it's entirely up to the mother and what is best for her and her child.
