How to Wean a Baby Off Breastmilk

Caring for your baby involves the marking of a multitude of milestones, some of which are challenging. If you have been breastfeeding, you'll eventually reach a point where you need or want to wean your baby. This can be an emotional time for both mother and baby, but it can also be a rewarding bonding experience. Weaning is a sign that your little one is growing older and entering an exciting new phase of life.

Instructions

1

Watch for signs of readiness from the baby. Usually around 6 months, your baby will start to show less interest in breastfeeding. If she stops breastfeeding completely, this may be due to external factors, such as stress or an ear infection. After you rule out any external factors, try different feeding positions or frequent feedings to see if the baby returns to breastfeeding. If you have been thinking about weaning, you can also use this opportunity to transition to bottle-feeding.

2




Working moms may need to wean sooner.

Examine your lifestyle. Some babies will not show signs of being ready to wean, leaving you to choose the timing. Many pediatricians recommend breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby's life, according to Baby Center. However, you might need to return to work or have other obligations that limit your availability for "on demand" feedings. If so, you can decide to wean sooner.

3

Choose a pace. Gradual weaning takes more time, but it is often recommended by experts and is often easier for you and the baby. The other option is abrupt weaning. This might be necessary, for example, if you have a sudden lifestyle change.

4

Withhold feedings. When the baby is hungry, don't offer the breast. Instead offer a bottle or cup, or use an eyedropper, depending on the baby's age. Some mothers pump breast milk and put it in a bottle at the beginning of weaning; others immediately begin using formula. If you choose the latter, consult with your pediatrician to find the right iron-fortified formula for your baby.

5




Babies need support and nourishment as they wean.

Substitute other forms of nourishment for breast milk. To make the weaning process easier, don't merely offer a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula. Also offer cuddling, playtime or favorite toys to ease your baby's possible feelings of anxiety or loss.

6

Replace breast milk with cow's milk or solid food. If you have been pumping breast milk for bottle-feeding and now wish to wean your baby entirely from breast milk, gradually replace the breast milk with pediatrician-approved formula, baby-appropriate solid foods or cow's milk. Solid food or cow's milk are usually appropriate after the baby reaches age 1.