What do u think the best age to stop nursing is?

Answer 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics say "...Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."
The World Health Organization and UNICEF both recommend two years of breastfeeding.

But you asked what WE think is the best age to stop....well, I think that every mom needs to decide that for herself!! I decided to let my child self wean (as opposed to mother-led weaning). I did eliminate night nursings after a year (I think I should have done it sooner) and we are down to about two nursings a day unless he is ill (as he was this weekend). He is 22 months. It looks like he won't be nursing much past 2 years of age, but I found research that shows there is still nutritional benefit for the child after one year and beyond.

Extended nursing is a normal and natural thing. Humans are the only mammals that forcibly wean their offspring.

Answer 2

I think the best time to stop nursing is when the baby wants to stop - tho one should not confuse a nursing strike with a desire to wean.

Most babies I've observed allowed to wean when they choose to wean between 4 and 6. This is a truth many people don't want to be upfront about, because of social judgement and misunderstanding.

However, if one compares various things like length of thigh bone at time of weaning, humans should wean at around age 6, compared to chimpanzees, whom we are 98% genetically identical with.

The WHO recommends at least two years of nursing. Marie Montessori recommended at least three, to keep the mother around the child when the child needed her, Ms. Montessori wrote.

The babies I know who nursed for four or more years are, without exception, very bright, very confident, very gentle and loving. (Oh, and not one has ever needed braces.) So, I support that as a stopping range.

Answer 3

I totally agree with the self-weaning. I have four children, all of whom were breastfed. We did 6 months, 18 months, 12 months, and 24 months. The youngest one is now 4, oldest 14. I haven't noticed any different in health, habits, or intelligence that could be attributed to the breastfeeding choices. Everyone self-weaned, except the last, which I kicked off at 24 months for continues, forceful biting.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

1 is the best age

Answer 5

I let my kids decide when they want to stop, but so far both of my older ones chose to stop at 9 months. So I'm not sure how I would feel if they went over 12 months, I might try to wean them...but I've never been in that situation. I would just feel out what seems right to you and your child.

Answer 6

I think it veries between mom and baby pairs.
but not before 12 months and no longer than 3years old.

My son nursed for 14.5 months
My little girl is 5 months old, i'm hopping to nurse her at least that long, my personal limit is 18 months.

Answer 7

I believe that children should wean when they're ready. I think kids shouldn't be weaned before age 2 as the WHO and UNICEF both recommend two years of breastfeeding minimum.

Answer 8

i stopped nursing once my baby started chewing on my nipples, I continued to express milk with my pump, but I couldn't stand those teeth! And once she started drinking out of the sippy cup, it's like she didn't need me anymore. She would turn her nose up at my breast! Good Luck!

Answer 9

Ideally, a child should be able to self wean. I'm still nursing my son (13.5 months) and plan to continue until he loses interest. Good luck!

Answer 10

I think one year is the best to stop. But have known moms who nurse fr two years.