Weaning is a part of the breastfeeding journey, but the transition from breast milk to solid foods can bring up a lot of questions — and emotions. Weaning FAQs are very common, especially among parents who are weaning for the first time. For some, weaning is a difficult process because of the emotional bond created by breastfeeding. You may also feel unsure about whether you’re weaning your baby too quickly or are doing it the right way.
When it comes to weaning FAQs, every baby is different, so the answers to your questions about weaning aren’t always black and white. As you begin weaning your baby, remember to put the needs of you and your family first.
If you’re not sure when to begin weaning or how to wean your baby, here are some popular weaning FAQs to help you get started.
When should I start weaning?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of your baby’s life, if possible, at which point you’d also be introducing cow’s milk to their diet. AAP also recommends giving babies human milk exclusively until they are about 6 months old, when they start transitioning to solid foods. So 6 months and one year represent common weaning milestones, but it really comes down to what’s right for you and your family. Plenty of families wean sooner, and many do extended breastfeeding and wean later, too.
How do I know when my baby is ready to wean?
First, you may want to check with your child’s pediatrician before weaning from breastfeeding. Most pediatricians advise watching for specific signs a baby is ready to be weaned from the breast or bottle. Those signs include your baby:
- Holding their head up, chewing, and placing food in their mouths
- Sitting without support
- “Mouthing” their hands and toys
- Showing interest in the foods adults are eating
- Gaining weight
How do I start weaning?
One of the most common weaning FAQs concerns how to actually begin the process of weaning.
There are basically two schools of thought here:
- Wean gradually. This basically means that you drop a feed at a time, every few days. Begin by reducing the number of nursing or bottle sessions, and minimize situations where your baby is accustomed to feeding, such as cuddling in cozy rocking chairs. Set time limits for breastfeeding or limit nursing to specific hours of the day. Keep your baby busy with toys and activities. For some exclusive breastfeeding moms, they wean first from the breast and then from the bottle of breastmilk. This can take trial and error, so try to be patient with yourself.
- Wean “cold turkey.” The success of this method can depend a bit on where you are in your journey and how much volume your baby is consuming. Remember that if you simply stop nursing or pumping, this can cause your breasts to become painfully engorged.
Some parents find that emotions are heightened around weaning — but plenty are just ready to be done! So know that wherever you are on the spectrum is normal.
What is baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning doesn’t actually refer to weaning from breastmilk. Instead, it’s a method for introducing solids, wherein you begin introducing finger foods right away, skipping purees and mashed foods. It’s called baby-led because that’s what the premise is — letting your child feed themselves the healthy foods they want to eat, right from the start. This only works for a baby who is at least six months old and capable of self-feeding.
Self-led weaning encourages babies to learn to chew and swallow properly. Because you’re allowing your baby to eat as much as they want, rather than pushing food onto them, it also encourages them to develop healthy food habits.
How do I know if I’m weaning too quickly?
As part of the weaning process, your baby might start showing signs of stress (and you might, too!). In your child, this can include the following:
- Increased whining, crying, or temper tantrums
- Biting or other signs of aggression
- Increased thumb-sucking or pacifier sucking
- Sudden attachment to a stuffed animal, blanket, or toy
- Waking up at night more often than usual
- Stomach ache, vomiting, constipation, refusal to eat
If you begin to notice that he or she is stressed out by the weaning process, you might want to slow down and let them set the pace.
Does my baby need additional milk while weaning?
You’ll need to replace the liquid in your baby’s diet that was once given by breastmilk. This can include water and milk, and be sure the cow’s milk you give is fortified with Vitamin D. Some babies don’t like the taste of cow’s milk, but water is fine, and calcium can be provided through other dairy products. Too much cow’s milk can cause gas or other issues, so try to give your toddler no more than 24 oz. of cow’s milk per day.
What are the best solid foods to start with?
The best foods to introduce as you begin weaning include cereals and purees of soft vegetables and fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, melon, steamed carrots, and soft roasted sweet potatoes. Small pieces of low-fat meat are also recommended. Avoid rich foods, acidic foods, spicy foods, and foods that are high in sugar.
Many experts also recommend starting with single-ingredient foods. This will help you determine if your baby has a food allergy.
When it comes to baby-led weaning foods, texture is key. You should ensure that all food you give your child can be smashed with gentle pressure between your thumb and forefinger. Anything harder than that could pose a choking hazard, and should be steamed or roasted first. Size also matters — foods should be able to be picked up with the palm, since most children haven’t mastered the art of grabbing things between their thumb and forefinger by this point.
Finally, many of these softer foods can be slippery, so consider leaving some of the skins on certain foods to make grabbing easier for your child.
What if my baby gets sick while weaning?
Babies who are still nursing are more likely to want additional feeding sessions when they don’t feel well. Breastfeeding a sick baby provides nutrition, antibodies, and prevents dehydration. If your baby gets sick in the middle of the weaning process, you may wish to put weaning on pause until they’re better, but you also don’t need to feel obligated to do so. (As always, remember to see your pediatrician if your baby needs medical care.)
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