What is weaning?

Weaning is when you stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler and replace breastfeeds with another fluid. Depending on your baby’s age, this may be:

• expressed breast milk
• formula
• cow’s milk

Weaning is a natural process, and all growing children are weaned. But it can sometimes be a difficult time.

Weaning is different for everyone. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t usually happen overnight. The time taken to wean varies from person to person.

Sometimes weaning is used to describe introducing solid foods.

When can I wean my baby?

Weaning can happen at any time. It can happen shortly after birth, or when your child is older. Most children are weaned by the age of 3 years. But it is a personal choice, and you can breastfeed for as long as you and your child would like.

The World Health Organization suggests exclusively breastfeeding your baby for their first 6 months. You can then combine breastfeeding with solid foods and drinks from a cup until your baby is 2 years old or longer.

The best time to wean is when you or your child feel that the time is right. It’s not when other people tell you that you should stop breastfeeding.

Are there different ways to wean my baby?

Weaning can be parent-led or baby-led.

Some reasons you might want to wean your baby are:

• problems with breastfeeding
• another pregnancy
• medical issues
• returning to work
• just deciding it’s the right time

Baby-led weaning is when your baby stops showing an interest in breastfeeding.

How do I wean my baby?

Try these steps to wean your baby:

• First, drop the breastfeeding session your baby seems least interested in.
• Next, stop another breastfeed from your daily routine — this may happen after a few days, or it might take longer. It will depend on how you and your baby are coping.
• Express breast milk when you need, to help your breasts to stay comfortable.
• Take paracetamol, use cold packs and wear a snug fitting bra to help if your breasts are painful.

Depending on your baby’s age, you can wean them to a cup or a bottle.

You can ask a lactation consultant for advice on how to wean or visit the Tresillian website for information.

Weaning slowly

Slow weaning has many advantages for you and your baby.

For you, it will be more comfortable because your milk supply will fall slowly. This will reduce the chance that you will get blocked ducts and mastitis. You will also avoid a sudden hormonal change.

Slow weaning gives your child time to adjust. Occasional breastfeeds can still be used to comfort your child.

Rapid weaning

Sometimes, there are reasons why you might need to stop breastfeeding very quickly. This can happen shortly after birth or after you’ve been breastfeeding for a while.

There are medicines that stop you making milk. But these don’t work as well if you have been breastfeeding for a while.

Weaning babies younger than 12 months

If your baby is less than 12 months of age, they will need to have their breastfeeds replaced with infant formula.

Babies who are fully weaned before 12 months need about 600mL of formula a day. Ask your child health nurse to help you with this.

Cow’s milk is not suitable for babies under 12 months of age. Until your baby reaches 12 months, you should continue feeding them expressed breast milk or formula.

Weaning babies older than 12 months

Children who are older than 12 months of age can have cows' milk as a drink. They need about 1 to 2 cups (250mL to 500mL) a day. Toddler formulas aren’t needed.

Give drinks (water and milk) in a cup. Offer a variety of foods and snacks.

Weaning babies who are breastfed to settle or sleep

If you have always fed your child to sleep, this will be a big change for both of you.

You will need to change their routine so that they feel relaxed and ready to sleep. Start by increasing the time between their last feed and bedtime. Some other ideas are:

• cuddle and read a book together at bedtime
• use a new blanket or comfort toy for bedtime
• if your baby wakes at night, have your partner or another family member re-settle them, if possible

If your baby is aged over 12 months, they can have warm cow’s milk in a cup at bedtime.

What should I do if my child doesn’t want to wean?

If your baby is finding weaning difficult, try:

• offering only one breast at each feed
• offering formula before breast milk (if weaning onto formula)
• offering solid foods before breastfeeding (if your baby is older than 12 months)

Make sure that you still spend lots of time with your baby.

How do I wean my toddler?

There are many things you can do to make weaning easier for both you and your toddler.

Explain to your toddler that breastfeeding will stop soon. Toddlers understand more than they can say.

Here are some tips to help both of you:

• Stop the early morning feed by getting up and getting dressed before your toddler wakes.
• Keep feeding times the same.
• Discourage long feeds.
• To stop feeding when you are out, wear clothing that makes it harder for your toddler to get to your breasts.

Be guided by both your and your toddler’s needs.

Resources and support

For information and advice on weaning, you can:

• talk to your midwife
• speak to a lactation consultant
• call Tresillian parents’ helpline on 1300 272 736

You can also visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website or call the Breastfeeding helpline on 1800 686 268.

Visit Eat for Health to learn about healthy eating for all ages.