Weaning is a gradual process. It starts when you begin giving solid food to your baby and ends when the child no longer breast-feeds or takes a bottle. This process may last a few months or more than a year.

A rough outline of this process is as follows:

• Your baby begins eating solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age.
• At this point, introduce 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 may only breast-feed twice daily. 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 consider your baby's emotional needs, age, and readiness, as well as 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? As you wean your baby from the breast or the bottle, avoid giving him or her liquids with a high sugar content, especially at bedtime. This can cause dental cavities. After 12 months of age, stop night breast- and bottle-feedings. You must also be sure your baby is getting adequate nutrition to build healthy teeth. 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 or give extra hugs.
• What can I do if my baby does not want to give up the bottle? Offer a stuffed toy or blanket for comfort instead.
• 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 (breast engorgement) while trying to wean? Breast engorgement is less likely to develop if you gradually wean your baby rather than suddenly stop breast-feeding. The pain and discomfort from breast engorgement improves as your breasts stop producing milk; you will usually feel better in 1 to 5 days. Home treatment, such as applying cold packs to the breasts, may help relieve some of your symptoms. For more information, see the topic Breast Engorgement.