For moms who breastfed long-term ~ My 22 mo. old son barely eats solids. Advice on how to get him to eat more?

Question

I am trying to allow my son to self-wean. He is 22 months old and still nurses at least 4-5 times a day and several times at night. He only snakcs and nibbles during the day on things like cheese, apple slices, yogurt and the ocassional cracker. Sometimes he'll eat a little scrambled egg in the morning, but not often. He usually just sits and plays with the food and then says "done". He is growing well and is healthy but I wonder if he's getting all that he needs nutritionally at this point. I do give him Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron vitamin drops as I was concerned about his iron stores, and wonder if that's sufficient??

I'm wondering if he's going to start tapering off like I thought he would or if I'm going to have to initiate the weaning process. If I try to withhold "ba-ba's" (his nickname for them) he gets very upset and doesn't stop fussing.

Any tips or advice from women who have been there?

Answer 1

Sorry I didnt nurse that long. Mine was one and he just started not nursing as much so i just stopped bothering.

I have heard from numerous sources that breast milk alone is fine for children for a few years. I wouldnt know why youd be concerned about iron thats one of the nutrients in your milk if you are not iron deficiant it shouldnt be a problem.

If your really wanting to stop nursing, its not going to hurt stopping. you might have a fussy kid for a while though.

Try nursing in the morning and at night. Those were the last two feedings my son held onto. It was more of a soothing issue than a hunger issue.

Answer 2

It's awesome that you've gone this long. The Surgeon General says that "any baby breastfed for 2 years is a lucky baby indeed". It's soooooo good for their health, physcially and psychologically. It's a shame more women don't do it like they're supposed to. Just keep on keeping on and he'll wean naturally as all animals do. The average age is 2.5 years.

My daughter weaned a couple of months after turning 2 and my son is still nursing at 21 months. So I've been and am where you are.

Michael Jordan was breastfed for 3 years! Einstein for 2 years. Back in the day before manuifactured formula it's how it was always done. The Chinese breastfeed longterm and they're super smart.

Just keep doing what you're doing, follow his lead and all will be well. He knows what he needs.

Answer 3

You could try smaller meals more frequently. My sons have always eaten this way. Just make sure you "try" feeding him a balanced variety of the food groups throughout the day. Maybe less food at a sitting will look easier for him to accomplish. My kids eat much less if I feed them their meal together. Have you tried waiting awhile after bf to give him his meal? I wait an hour after any drink before I try to feed my kids. If his tummy is full of milk, he won't have as much room to fit solids in it. I don't think you need to worry about him nutrionally however. Try offering him different things, my 2 1/2 year old loves chili, my oldest loved coleslaw at 12 mo. You could also let him help make a part of the meal. I know there's not much safe at 22 mo, but he could probably help w'PB & J or celery sticks w/PB. Also, my kids love smoothies which provides them with their fruit. I usually slip in some protien powder and carrots too add additional nutrition. You may have a mess when he's done, but if he tries it and likes it, then it's worth it. Good luck!

Answer 4

I think it's rediculous for anyone to breastfeed after 1 yr old in the first place. If you would be the parent and say no more and be done with it, stick to it and eventually he has no choice but to eat what he has been given. My sister-in-law is still breastfeeding my 4 yr old niece, that's just stupid! At that point, it's like it's more for the moms pleasure than for the nutrients for the child. As for the crying, get over it, they will cry at first but even that won't last, so be patient!! I took my daughters bottle from her when she turned 1 yr old. She turned out fine!

Answer 5

Kudos to you for nursing your son this long. The WHO recommends 2 years but so few mothers make the commitment to provide that for their children. You should be proud of yourself.

My son was much like yours. He weaned on his own shortly after his 2nd birthday. He was so active that he just nursed before nap times and before bedtime. Your son will get there too. My son also barely ate. I think this is a normal toddler thing. As long as he's growing well I wouldn't worry about it. He's still getting a lot of nutrients from your breastmilk as well.

Good job mama!

Answer 6

He'll have to go cold turkey. It was hard at first, but once they name the breasts it's time to wean. He should get his vitamins through his food and I would ask the doctor about the Poly Vi Sol drops. Maybe you can try a sippy cup with milk.

Answer 7

your Child should not have to feed so often when we breast feed it is the closeness that we enjoy your child should be eating cereal, veg, and a little meat then there is this side of prolong breast feeding dependency, thumb sucking, tooth decay by the way I have a good friend she is twenty eight and still sucks her thumb. I am sure you must want a full nights sleep when baby gets a good meal and a nice warm bath chances are that the child will sleep through the night ask your Doctor he will tell you the same thing.

Answer 8

Children that age are grazers, when mine were still breast feeding they were grazers like that and actually, they still are!! My daughters who both did extended breast feeding ate about 5-6 small meals a day and that is how their digestive systems liked it and worked best. : ) don't worry I'm sure he's doing fine especially since he's still getting breast milk which is full of nutrients.