Weaning from Breastfeeding

Weaning is the process of switching your child’s diet from breast milk to other foods and drinks. 

Babies and parents get benefits from human milk the longer breastfeeding continues. Some families continue breastfeeding well into toddlerhood. 

Click here to download the Weaning From the Breast handout.

When is the best time to start weaning?

When to wean is a personal decision and is different for everyone. If you are able, it is best to wait until your child starts the weaning process. If you decide to wean before that time, it is important to go slowly and focus on you and your child’s needs.*

• Choose a time that feels right for you and your child.
• You should wean at a time when both you and your child are feeling well. If your child is ill or teething, it is not a good time to try weaning.
• Weaning is more successful if started at a low stress time in the home, when there have been no major changes recently.

If your child is younger than 12 months of age, gradually start your child on infant formula in place of human milk. 

If your child is 12 months or older, gradually start giving your child cow’s milk or fortified milk alternative in place of human milk. Your child does not need infant formula, toddler milks/drinks/formula. 

*If you have to wean your child quickly, talk to your health care provider or lactation specialist.
 

Weaning Tips

Take it slow 

• Slowly decreasing how long and how often you breastfeed will help tell your body to slowly stop making milk. This can keep you comfortable and prevent possible breast problems like pain, plugged ducts and mastitis (breast infection). 
• Taking it slow also can help your child accept the switch easier. 
• Feedings at naptime, bedtime and early morning can be the hardest for your child to stop.
   

Drop one feeding at a time

• Start by replacing one breast milk feeding a day. Choose the feeding your child is the least interested in. 
• Try a “don’t offer, don’t refuse” approach. At the usual feeding time, don’t offer your breast. If your child asks to breastfeed, don’t refuse. 
• Change your daily routine or distract your child at the usual feeding time. 
• While you are eliminating this feeding, breastfeed at the other times as usual. 
• Once you have eliminated one feeding and your breasts feel comfortable, move on to the next feeding you want to try to remove. Remove one feeding every 3-7 days.
• As you reduce feedings, your breast milk will decrease and your child may become less interested in breastfeeding.
   

Change your routine and distract

• Try to predict when your child may want to breastfeed and offer a distraction, such as a favorite snack, book, a walk or playtime outside. Offer the distraction before your child asks to breastfeed.
• Delay - when your child asks to breastfeed, say “not now, later.” Sometimes later never comes as they may get busy doing something else. 
• Try to avoid things that remind your child of breastfeeding. For example, don’t sit in the chair where you usually feed during the weaning period. Have another family member or friend feed your child. 

Your child’s age, the number of times you typically breastfeed each day, and whether or not your child is ready to wean can affect how long this process takes.
 

Spend extra time together

• Give your child extra attention - talking, playing, cuddling. Weaning from the breast does not mean separation. 
   

Watch your body and your child carefully

• Make sure both you and your child are adjusting well to weaning. Give your child other times to be close to you that don’t involve feeding. 
• If your breasts become full and hard, slow down how fast you are weaning. Express only enough milk for comfort so your body slowly decreases your supply. 
• Watch your breasts for lumps or hard, tender areas. Call your health care provider if you have redness, pain or flu-like symptoms. 
• Check in with how you are feeling. It is not unusual to feel sad or a sense of loss during weaning. This can happen because of hormone changes in your body. As you and your body adjust, these feelings should go away in a few weeks.
   

If you are experiencing feelings that are affecting your quality of life for more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider or visit .

Want more help? 

Connect with your local WIC clinic for more information and support.