whats the easyest way to wein your baby from breastfeeding?

Question

he's 14 months and I getting ready to move it's going to be a long trip I have a month to do this please help

Answer 1

Slowly and gently, cutting one feeding every 4-7 days or so, depending on how baby is doing and how your body is responding to stepping down the supply. This should help prevent you from getting uncomfortably engorged.

Distraction and substitution work well at this age. "Head him off at the pass" when you can. Offer him a drink or snack BEFORE you expect him to ask to nurse. Get out of the house and enjoy the nice spring weather. Take a walk or go to the park. Being active and having a change of scenery can help to distract him.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning_techniques.html

Answer 2

I don't think you should try to wean at this time. Moving is difficult enough, especially for kiddos this age. Right now, nursing is about as much an emotional thing as a nutritional thing. If you do decide to, gradually replace 1 nursing time every four to five days; I would start with the second one of the day as the first one is often early in the morning and it's usually more convienent for mom than having to get up and get a bottle/sippee, etc. At the same time as weaning, when offering the bottle/sippee, start to gradually add whole milk to the breast milk so you can make the transfer from breastmilk to milk at the same time. As far as milk goes, whole milk is best for kids 5 yrs and under as the fat is important in brain development. I would not lie to the baby, it is not a good example to set for him besides, YOU are the parent. Whatever you choose, good luck.

Answer 3

First, I just have to say that I think you are awesome for breastfeeding your child and for nursing him this long! My son is 13 months old and still nursing... so I understand the commitment that takes.

I like Holly's suggestion. I also have read that it's best to not offer but not refuse. I would start giving him sippy cups with water or juice or cow's milk (if you decide to do the cow's milk thing) and then only nurse if he insists. I have a lot of friends who are also nursing toddlers but they are now down to only nursing once a day or so. Maybe this will be a more reasonable goal to achieve in a month. Maybe you could aim for feeding him once in the morning and once at night or something?

I don't know how long it'll take to totally wean him but it will be a start. I agree with the other women who say that gradual or child-led is best. I think it's less difficult/traumatic for the baby and you.

Best wishes! And, again, kudos for breastfeeding this long Mama. You've done a wonderful thing for your child.

Answer 4

Gradually is best. I, personally, feel that weaning should be infant- led if at all possible. In most countries people nurse their infants until 2-3+ years old. It is only in America and the other "advanced" countries that we wean our children before they're ready, or don't breastfeed at all. If you want to wean than I would stick to the "Don't offer but don't refuse" policy. I read that in one of my parenting books. Don't offer the baby your breast but if the baby is set on nursing than let him/her do so. The baby will nurse less and less as it grows and becomes more independent.

Best wishes.

Answer 5

It's already been stated a couple of times. "Don't offer, but don't refuse". Just cutting a baby off or lying and saying that you have Boo Boos on your nipples is not fair to the baby. It is natural and less stressful when it's a gradual decline in the frequency. Gradual is best. If you only have a month I would agree with mendo_mama that you aim for nursing just a couple of times a day or so. But, again, don't refuse if he throws a fit.

Answer 6

I just saw this on SuperNanny the other night. The mother had a child the exact same age and was having the same problem. She was told to prepare a bottle, then lie down next to baby, but put a rolled up towel or blanket between her breast and the baby. Give the baby the bottle laying down like that first, to show him/her that you can still have the closeness without the breast being involved. The mom on the show did this procedure and the baby was weaned in no time. Remember to take care of your breast, however, if I recall weaning was no fun for me!

Answer 7

The easiest way is to put band aids on the nipples. Tell him mommy has an owie. Give him a bottle as the replacement. Then he'll be weaned.

Kids understand owies. It works.