How do I get my 17 month old to stop breastfeeding?
When the time feels right for you to cut down or stop breastfeeding your toddler, these top tips will help guide you through a smooth transition.
- Right timing.
- Natural term weaning.
- Gradual transition.
- Offer alternatives.
- Change your routine.
- Distraction and postponement.
- ‘Don’t offer, don’t refuse’
- Explain the changes.
How do I wean my 18 month old from breastfeeding?
To answer your question, the best way to wean an 18 month old is to do it gradually. Reduce feedings one at a time so your body has time to adjust to the amount of breast milk your child will need as you wean. This should help to reduce the risk of you becoming engorged and developing problems related to engorgement.
How do I stop breastfeeding after 2 years?
The following techniques may help you gradually wean your toddler:
- Make your breasts less available for nursing.
- Shorten each breastfeeding session before stopping it completely.
- Postpone breastfeeding sessions.
- Substitute food, drinks, or comfort for breastfeeding.
- Distract your toddler.
How do I stop my 18 month old from breastfeeding at night?
Gentle methods of night weaning for toddlers
- Limit Access.
- Get Dad in on the nighttime routine!
- Increase daytime contact.
- Talk to your child.
- Just say “no”… or “later.”With an older child (over 18 months), feel secure enough to say “no” (at least some of the time) while staying sensitive to your child’s needs.
Is 18 months too early to wean?
True SELF-weaning before a baby is a year old is very uncommon. In fact, it is unusual for a baby to wean before 18-24 months unless mom is encouraging weaning. However, it is very common to hear a mother say that her baby self-weaned at 9 or 10 months old, or even earlier.
What is a good age to stop breastfeeding?
The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond.
How do I wean my 20 month old from breastfeeding?
Weaning tips
- Drop one breastfeed at a time, and wait a few days before you drop the next one.
- Consider dropping daytime breastfeeds first, then gradually drop any bedtime or night-time feeds – these are probably the ones that give your child the most comfort.
Can a toddler start breastfeeding again?
Most babies will eventually come back to breastfeeding, but if they’re quite a bit older, it might be more difficult. If your baby never fully breastfeeds again, that’s OK too. Pumped milk in a bottle is beneficial too.
