Weaning - What Is Expected

Weaning is usually a gradual process. It starts when you begin feeding your baby in other ways than breast- or bottle-feeding. And it ends when the child no longer breast-feeds or takes a bottle. This process may last several weeks, a few months, or more than a year.

A rough outline of this process is as follows:

Your baby may begin eating solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age.
At this point, you may want to offer cup-feeding to supplement breast- or bottle-feedings. Over the next 6 months, your baby may show signs that he or she is ready to wean.
Your bottle-fed baby should continue to get nutrition largely from formula until he or she is 12 months old. After that, allowing your child to continue drinking from a bottle may lead to problems such as baby bottle tooth decay .
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you continue breast-feeding your baby until at least age 1 while gradually supplementing the diet with iron-fortified foods. By the age of 1 year, your baby might only breast-feed twice a day. Your baby continues to benefit nutritionally if you decide to breast-feed beyond the first year.

It is important to switch gradually to the cup. Although some mothers stop breast- or bottle-feedings abruptly, the baby may not be ready. Babies find comfort from sucking and also may need the closeness and comfort breast- or bottle-feeding provides. Always think about your baby's emotional needs, age, and readiness as well as about your own needs, when switching from breast- or bottle-feeding to a cup. Toddlers (ages 1 to 2) may tolerate abrupt weaning better than babies.

Common concerns

I'm pregnant. Should I stop breast-feeding my first child? No, you can continue to breast-feed your first child while you are pregnant. But talk to your doctor about your nutritional needs and other issues you should be aware of. For more information, see the topic Breast-Feeding.
I want to become pregnant. Should I wean my child? You can continue to breast-feed, but breast-feeding may make it more difficult to become pregnant. For more information, see the topic Breast-Feeding.
When I wean, should I be concerned about my baby's teeth? Be sure to give your baby adequate nutrition to build healthy teeth. And as you wean your baby from the breast or the bottle, limit sugary liquids, especially at bedtime. This can cause dental cavities. Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle. And after 12 months of age, stop night breast-feedings. For more information, see the topic Teething.
What can I do if I want to stop breast-feeding, but my baby does not? If possible, continue breast-feeding a while longer. If this is not possible, offer breast milk or formula in a cup and/or give extra hugs.
What can I do if my baby does not want to give up the bottle? Slow down the weaning process, or offer a stuffed toy or blanket for comfort, instead of the bottle.
Are there times when I should not wean my baby? Do not try to wean your baby before he or she is 6 months old or during times of stress, such as when starting a new day care.
What if I develop pain and tenderness in my breasts while trying to wean? Breast engorgement is less likely to occur if you gradually wean your baby rather than suddenly stop breast-feeding. Weaning from the breast is easier when your baby is already taking solid foods and has been breast-feeding less often. The pain and discomfort from breast engorgement improves as your breasts stop making milk. You will likely feel better in 1 to 5 days. Home treatment, such as applying cold packs to the breasts, may relieve some of your symptoms. For more information, see the topic Breast Engorgement.
Should I start or stop giving supplements to my child? Most doctors suggest daily vitamin D supplements for children, starting by age 2 months. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 19, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.