Tips for weaning your baby

Motherhood is a remarkable feat; a baby enhances family unity and becomes a source of happiness. Breastfeeding is the primary way of keeping your baby nourished. However, with time the need to wean the baby arises. The need may be voluntary (mother induced) or involuntary (injury, death, or sickness).

Studies in Canada indicate that only 18.2% of mothers continue breastfeeding their babies after nine months. Weaning is not easy as the infant may be resistant to it, and you as a mother may try to hold onto the special bonding sessions.

Here are some tips you can use to transition your baby from nursing to eating solid food:

1. Reduce the feeding sessions slowly.

Determine the feeding session that is least important to your baby and chalk it off. Slow removal will help the baby to adapt to the new developments. For example, you can do away with the nap time breastfeeding for a start. If the baby cannot nap, you can put the toddler on a walker and head out for a walk together.

When the baby gets used to the new changes, substitute morning nursing sessions with breakfast. Finally, do away with the nighttime feeding.

2. Distract the baby

Anticipate the baby’s feeding times and try to substitute them with other activities. When you pick the baby from daycare, head for the store or park to push ahead the feeding hours. You can buy a walker to help carry the baby while on a stroll. foryourlittle.com has unbeatable offers on baby products that can aid your weaning journey.

3. Introduce cups

Cups with in-built straws are more effective than bottles. If the toddler can move a cup, start with a bit of water to sharpen the handling skills. Water is highly recommended for its low viscosity. Repeated practice with cups will set the baby on the right weaning foot.

4. Postpone and shorten the breastfeeding sessions

You can delay nursing time by pushing the sessions forward by some minutes. When you finally breastfeed the baby, cut down on feeding time. By postponing the session, the infant may forget about breastfeeding.

Shortening nursing time helps the baby to acclimatize to the reducing sessions.

5. Sometimes say no

Learn to deny the baby some nursing opportunities. As the little ones get older, they may develop rough tendencies like pinching and forcing themselves on your breasts. It’s okay to deny them breastmilk as you look out for yourself. The baby’s needs and desires are paramount, but yours are essential as well.

6. Give the baby loads of attention.

Breastfeeding entails lots of attention-giving, soothing, cuddling, and eye contact. To make up for the lost niceties enjoyed during breastfeeding, give your baby lots of cuddles and skin-to-skin contact to ensure a smooth transition.

7. Take good care of your breasts.

Slow down the process to a crawl to reduce the risk of mastitis and plugged ducts. The milk production will eventually slow down in tandem with decreased feeding.

Keep in mind that weaning is a process. It would help if you carried it out at a pace that is suitable for both of you. Regardless of when you start or how prolonged weaning takes, celebrate the achievement.