How to Wean a Breastfed Baby to Formula

You can make weaning a positive experience for both you and your baby. When weaning an infant from breast-feeding to formula, start the process in a gradual manner. Abrupt weaning can traumatize your infant and can lead to engorgement, the enlargement of your breasts caused by expanding veins and the pressure of new milk coming in, and, ultimately, mastitis. Mastitis is the inflammation of tissue in one or both breasts, and it can cause extreme discomfort. Twelve months is the suggested age to begin weaning your baby off your breast.

Instructions

1

Understand how your baby feels; your breast and the physical closeness of his mother's body is important to your infant, and it's difficult for him to let go of something he's known his entire life. Provide comfort items such as blankets, pacifiers and teddy bears to help wean your baby off breastfeeding. If your baby is 1 year old or older, try feeding her toddler snacks such as puffs. Don't expect to wean your baby overnight; it may take time and an adjustment. Wean your baby before they start teething since teething babies tend not to wean as easily, according to "Parents" magazine.

2

Eliminate one daily feeding from your feeding schedule and substitute formula in a bottle. Your baby will have to get accustomed to formula, its taste and its texture, all of which differ from breast milk. "Parents" reports that you should not begin by eliminating the first or last feeding from the schedule because these are the times when your baby needs the most comfort and the closeness provided by contact with her mother.

3

Consult a doctor for the proper formula for your child; some babies are allergic to the ingredients in certain formulas. Watch for signs and symptoms that your baby is having an allergic reaction to the formula; your pediatrician and you will experiment to find the best formula for your baby.

4

Distract your child when he gives signs that he wants to breast-feed. Give your baby extra affection to try to get his mind off your breast. Provide something new such as a toy, food or game. Keep your baby active by taking her to parks or on long walks to keep his mind off the breast. Baby Center recommends that babies as young as 7 months who dislike bottles can go straight to a sippy cup; find one decorated with a colorful cartoon character.