Weaning

Promoting Healthy Growth and Development

The weaning process

The Canadian Paediatric Society, Health Canada, and Dietitians of Canada recommend that babies be breast-fed exclusively for at least 6 months. Breast-feeding can continue for up to 2 years and as long after as mother and child desire.¹,²Weaning from breast- or bottle-feeding can be done gradually or abruptly.

• If you are not breast-feeding and your baby is younger than 9 to 12 months of age, use iron-fortified formula. Do not offer your baby cow's milk.³ The iron in cow's milk is not well-absorbed, and iron is necessary for healthy development. Also, some babies may be more likely to react to the protein in cow's milk.
• If your baby is older than 9 to 12 months, you can give your baby whole milk. Do not use skim milk or 2% milk before your child is 2 years old. These types of milk provide too few calories, too much protein, and inadequate essential fatty acids.⁴
• Switching from breast milk to formula may cause differences in how often your baby feeds and a change in the colour and consistency of your baby's stools.

The first step in the weaning process, giving your baby solid foods, can generally be started at 6 months of age. Feed your baby at the table with the rest of the family. Follow your health professional's advice on when and what to feed your baby. At 6 months of age, iron-enriched solid foods should be introduced.³ Usually, the more solid foods a baby eats, the less breast milk or formula he or she needs, and the easier it will be to wean.

When your baby is about 6 months old, offer the cup. Over the next 6 months, watch for signs that he or she is ready to wean (give up the breast or bottle). Pay close attention to whether your baby is sucking for comfort or hunger. If your baby uses a pacifier, consider replacing it with a blanket or stuffed toy for comfort.

When you have decided that you and your child are ready to give up breast- or bottle-feeding, develop a plan for what you will do. Talk with other family members and get their help.

If you plan to gradually wean your baby from breast- or bottle-feeding, eliminate the least important feeding first, which is usually the midday one. Then stop the late afternoon and morning feedings. Stop the most important feeding (the one that provides the baby the greatest emotional comfort) last; this is usually the first or last feeding of the day. Whether you are weaning or not, the last feeding should gradually be moved up so that by 4 months it is no longer at bedtime and other soothing rituals can be established.

Gradual weaning

A gradual weaning slowly reduces the number of breast- or bottle-feedings. One feeding is eliminated every few days, giving the mother and baby time to adjust. Gradual weaning helps maintain emotional attachment, prevents breast engorgement, and allows the baby to learn other ways of eating. It is generally planned to suit both the mother's and child's needs.

Gradual weaning is best for both you and your baby. It is recommended for babies unless the mother has a medical condition that does not allow it.

Abrupt weaning

Abrupt weaning is a sudden end to breast- or bottle-feeding and can be difficult for both the mother and the child. The mother may experience painful breast engorgement and has an increased risk for a breast infection (mastitis). Both the mother and the child may miss the emotional attachment and closeness of breast- or bottle-feeding.

Your child may respond to abrupt weaning by:

• Refusing to drink from a cup for a period of time. Prolonged refusal to drink from a cup can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
• Sucking his or her thumb.

Weaning a toddler

Either gradual or abrupt weaning may work for 1- to 2-year-olds.

• A toddler who breast-feeds 3 or more times a day may do better with gradual weaning.
• A toddler who breast- or bottle-feeds 2 or less times a day may do well with abrupt weaning.

You may find the following suggestions helpful during the weaning process:

• Tips for weaning a baby from bottle-feeding may help you replace bottle-feedings with other comforting activities.
• Tips for weaning a baby from breast-feeding may help you switch from breast-feeding to bottle-feeding or using a cup.
• Tips for weaning a toddler from breast-feeding may help you use techniques such as distraction, postponing feedings, and not offering feedings.
• Tips for weaning a toddler from bottle-feeding may help you find substitutes and limitations for drinking from a bottle.
• Abrupt weaning for toddlers may help you wean a child who nurses 3 times each day or less.

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Author:	Amy Fackler, MA Carrie Henley	Last Updated: August 17, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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