How to Determine If a Child Is Ready to Wean

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for their baby̵7;s first 6 months. When babies eat their first solid foods, they begin the process of weaning. However, it may be many more months ̵1; or, maybe even a couple of years more -- before a baby is fully weaned and is no longer drinking any breast milk. Learning to recognize your baby's cues that he's ready to start eating solid foods or to drop nursing sessions along the way can make the weaning process easier on both of you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Notice any signs that your baby is interested in food. When you eat dinner, your baby may try to reach for food or may watch you intently as you eat.

    • 2

      Look for developmental signs that your baby is ready to try solid foods. HealthyChildren.org says that such signs include being able to sit up well without support, being able to grasp items between the thumb and forefinger and being able to bring items to his mouth. Babies should also be able to swallow and should not have the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes solids out of the mouth. Typically, babies are able to start eating solid foods and to begin the weaning process at about 6 months.

    • 3

      Watch for behavioral cues. As your baby grows older and is used to eating more solid foods, he will begin to show signs of readiness to progress with the weaning process. HealthyChildren.org says that this may happen around one year, but for other children, it could be longer. Behavioral cues include indifference, crankiness or distraction while nursing. You may also notice that your baby wants to nurse for shorter periods or does not ask to nurse as often.

    • 4

      Pay attention to signs that weaning is moving too fast for your baby. Kelly Mom says that these signs include increased crying, whining, clinginess or tantrums; greater fear of separation; increase in night waking; and new, self-soothing behaviors such as thumb-sucking or attachment to a stuffed animal or blanket. If you notice any of these signs after you have dropped a feeding, your child may not be ready for continued weaning and you may need to slow the process or add a feeding.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How does the embryo get nourished in mothers body?
      The embryo, and later the fetus, gets nourished within the mothers body through a specialized organ called the placenta. Heres a breakdown of the process:1. Formation of the Placenta:* After implantation, the embryo develops a structure called the ch
    • Feeding Habits for Preemies
      Giving birth to a pre-term baby is a terrifying experience for most mothers. Preemies are small and frail-looking, and generally require intensive care until they reach the gestational age at which they should have been born. In addition to needing h
    • When Can Babies Have Peanut Butter?
      If you ask around, youre likely to hear a lot of conflicting advice about when its safe to introduce peanut butter into your childs diet. You may be told to feed your child peanut butter as an infant, wait until theyre 3 years old, or even to neve