Weaning may seem like a difficult part of parenthood, especially if you have continued to breastfeed for the full first year of your child's life. Weaning does not happen overnight; instead it is a gradual process of withdrawing your breast so your child is exclusively drinking from a cup. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding during your child's first year. Some babies will wean themselves; others will show no interest in stopping months after their first birthday.
Weaning Off the Breast
Step 1
Bring your child shopping for a sippy cup. Allow him or her to feel the different textures, see the colors, and see the designs. Also have your child grab cups with and without handles.
Step 2
Purchase the sippy cup that your child prefers. You may need to purchase several different cups before finding one your child is comfortable using.
Step 3
Give your child the sippy cup containing breast milk or water. If your child is over a year old, he can have whole milk as well; a child younger than one year old he needs iron-fortified formula.
Step 4
Offer the sippy cup before the breast at all times. At first your child may demand the breast, so still allow your child to breastfeed when this happens. By denying the breast entirely, you increase the risk of your child having emotional difficulties with the weaning process.
Step 5
Reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions per day. According to La Leche League International, give your child plenty of stimulation during skipped breastfeeding times, such as going to a friend's house, a museum or a park.
Step 6
Continue your child's favorite time to breastfeed, which is usually at bedtime. However, breastfeed before your regular bedtime routine. According to What to Expect the Toddler Years, avoid allowing your child to fall asleep with the breast in his or her mouth. Continue with the one favorite feeding time for several weeks.
Step 7
Discontinue breastfeeding. During the first few weeks of no longer breastfeeding, have someone else put your child to bed.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child refuses the sippy cup, What to Expect the Toddler Years suggests filling the cup with a liquid your child is unaccustomed to, such as a juice. This encourages your child to try the new liquid in the sippy cup. Once he or she is used to the cup, start filling it will a familiar liquid. If your breasts become engorged while weaning, use a hand to pump some milk out until you feel comfortable. Unless you plan to donate milk, do not use a mechanical pump because this will encourage your body to continue producing milk. There is the option of donating your breast milk to needy babies. Contact your hospital to find out about milk banks or visit www.breastmilkproject.org.
- Never give cow's milk to a child under 12 months old. Cow's milk is more difficult for an infant to digest and it lacks the amount of essential vitamins needed for healthy growth. Always wash new sippy cups with antibacterial dish soap. Do not start weaning while a child is stressed, teething or sick.
Things You'll Need
- Sippy cup
- Whole milk
- Juice
- Iron-fortified formula (if under one year old)
References
- La Leche League International: How Do I Wean My Baby?
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk
- "What to Expect the Toddler Years"; Murkoff, Eisenberg & Hathaway; 2008
