A REC Parenting Guide to…. Weaning a 1 year-old child (and older)

Weaning is the process of stopping breastfeeding. We start to introduce solid foods, while continuing to give the child breast milk. Little by little we will stop breastfeeding and we will increase the amount of solid food. 

Types of Weaning

• Natural or spontaneous: the child is the one who stops breastfeeding. It can happen abruptly but it usually happens gradually from the age of two. 

• Abrupt: the mother stops breastfeeding without an adaptation process. Leaving cold turkey can be more emotionally difficult for the mother and child. It can also increase the risk of the mother having breast problems such as mastitis. 

• Gradual: the mother for whatever reason decides that it is time to stop breastfeeding the child. It is done gradually over several weeks, decreasing the number of feedings and the duration of each feeding. This is the method that we explain below.

When Is the Ideal Time to Start Weaning?

• There is no ideal time. It’s up to you and your child. 

• It’s best to do it at a time when the child isn’t going through another change, such as the start of daycare or the birth of a sibling. 

• It is very common for the child to resist. Normally, children who leave the breast later are usually more resistant to leaving it.

How Do We Do It?  

• Progressively eliminate the feedings: Start by eliminating one feeding. It is usually easier to eliminate the midday one and gradually stop the ones you do during the day. The first feeding in the morning and especially those at night, are usually more difficult to eliminate. Weaning doesn’t have to be total. Some mothers decide to wean during the day and continue breastfeeding at night. 

• Every time the child asks for the breast, offer him a distraction. Offer him something to eat, water or milk, cuddle him, or play with him. 

• Make it difficult to access the breast: don’t wear a nursing bra, don’t wear clothes that are easy to open, or wear several layers of clothing. 

• Let someone take care of the child a little more on those days, especially at times when you usually breastfeed. 

• Shorten each session: When your child has breastfed for a minute or two, urge them to stop and offer something to distract them. 

• Delay feedings: when your child asks for the breast, tell him to wait until you finish making dinner, or when you return from the walk. In the meantime, try to distract him so that he forgets. 

• It may be a good idea to keep a diary where you write down the number of feedings, hours, and write down what happens in each feeding. This way, you can see patterns of behavior, which one is harder to stop…

How to Eliminate Night Feedings

It’s often harder to drop the night feeds.  

Before taking away the night feedings, it is advisable to break the association between sleep and breast. If you normally breastfeed before going to sleep in your room, or in bed, start breastfeeding in the living room, for example. Do the same in the morning, with the first feeding. 

After a few days, when he asks for the breast, try to: 

• Offer milk or water 

• Give them a stuffed animal or blanket they like 

• Hugging him, caressing him… 

• The other parent who take care of the child at night so that it is less likely for him to ask for the breast.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

What Does the Child Look for When He Asks for the Breast? 

The breast is more than a food and many times the child asks for it when he wants a cuddle or is bored. 

It is good to know why they are asking for it so that you can anticipate: 

• If he is bored: propose to do something that he likes. 

• If he is sleepy: think about how else you can help him sleep or maybe someone else can help him sleep. 

• If hungry: Give your baby something to eat before breastfeeding or while breastfeeding. 

When and Where Does the Child Ask for the Breast? 

If the child is used to breastfeeding on the sofa after dinner, in the morning in your bed when you wake up or after playing, change the routine. Do not sit on that couch, or get out of bed before he wakes up. 

Your Partner or Someone Else Needs to Collaborate 

It is a good idea if your partner or another person is with the child at the times when he usually asks for the breast so that it is more difficult for him to remember about it. 

Adjust Your Expectations 

At this age, the weaning process can be long. It may be that the child agrees to leave the breast quickly, but it is more common for the child to resist and take a while. 

Prepare for the Child to Be More Fussy 

It is very likely that during this time the child will cry and be more nervous than usual. This can make you feel anxious. Think about how the child feels, try to be calm, and arm yourself with patience. 

And What About You?

Many times when we talk about weaning we only think of the child but this is a process that also includes you. It’s a matter of two. It is a process of change and adaptation, which requires patience and understanding, for both of you. 

That’s why it is very important that you take care of yourself. When you stop feeding, you may feel uncomfortable. Observe how you feel, if you are uncomfortable, apply a cold towel and express milk but only enough to eliminate discomfort, not to stimulate production. If you’re very uncomfortable or in a lot of pain, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. You may be advised to take anti-inflammatories. 

Also pay attention to how you feel emotionally. Breastfeeding is a phase of parenting that you’ve put a lot of time and dedication into, so you may feel a sense of grief or loss. 

We wish you all the best in this process. If you need support, do not hesitate to contact us. Our specialists will guide you in a personalized way.