Breastfeeding always faces weaning problems. It is time to wean in what, whether the baby is willing, whether the breast will swell… all these should be considered. However, weaning is not as difficult as imagined. Choosing the right time and method can make the baby smoothly transition from breastfeeding to drinking milk from a bottle or cup.
This article will give some weaning suggestions to novice mothers.
What is the best time to wean?
Doctors suggest that the baby should only be breast-fed for the first 6 months after birth, and then breast-fed with solid food until at least 1 year old. However, if conditions permit, the baby is willing and suggests that the lactation period can be extended.
In other words, there is no fixed standard for weaning when choosing what.
When the baby does not want to eat milk, it is the easiest to wean.
- Usually six months later, Babies begin to come into contact with solid foods, which may cause them to wean. Some babies do not want to eat other things until they are about 1 year old, when babies can usually eat many kinds of fixed foods and may also drink from cups. Some babies do not want to wean until they are toddlers because they do not want to sit and drink breast milk all the time.
Mothers can also decide when to wean their children, but this may be more difficult than letting the babies choose their own timing. Attention should be paid to giving the babies more care and consideration.
No matter when the mother chooses to wean the baby, she should take into account her own and baby’s conditions, not compare with other mothers, and constantly adjust the weaning plan according to the actual situation.
Is there the best way to wean?
1. Step by step
Slowly reduce the time and frequency of breast feeding every day, so that for weeks or months, milk secretion will gradually decrease without causing breast swelling and discomfort.
If the milk is swollen, mothers can use cold compress to reduce the feeling of breast swelling.
2. Choose the right feeding time point
Babies are often most interested in the first and last breast-feeding every day, so the two breast-feeding time points are put at the last break.
First of all, it is relatively easy to wean at noon. If the child chooses to wean when he is 1 year old or older, try not to feed the baby at the time when he should have drunk the milk, and he will not pester him. Once he has successfully weaned once, he must continue.
Some mothers may choose to cut off their babies’ milk during the day and keep nursing at night, which is also possible.
Do you have to refuse feeding during weaning?
There are no hard and fast detailed steps for weaning, but when the baby wants to eat milk, the mother’s refusal may make the baby even more adamant.
The correct approach is to meet the child’s request and try to distract the child in different ways.
For example, use new food to attract children, amuse children and take children for a walk. Let the baby not be idle, he will not want to drink milk again.
Weaned, how to ensure the baby’s nutrition?
1. Choose the right formula milk powder
If the baby is weaned before the age of 1, iron fortified formula milk powder can be used instead of breast milk, or a doctor can be asked to recommend milk powder, but do not let the child drink milk before the age of 1.
STEP 2 Learn to use bottles
- Use the bottle first and then the cup: After weaning, You can let the baby learn to use the bottle first, Use the cup again. If the baby can do it, You can also use the cup directly. Choose when the baby is not hungry: It is best to teach the baby to use the bottle for the first time when he is not too hungry, then the baby may be more patient. Choose a pacifier with slow flow rate: make sure that the flow rate of the bottle is not different from that of breast milk, and the bottle with too fast flow rate may make the baby uncomfortable or even choke.
How long does the weaning process take?
Each mother weans her baby in a different way, so the weaning process takes a long time and a short time-as short as a few days and as long as a few months.
However, weaning too quickly may make the baby unhappy and may also cause breast pain.
Nursing is a close interaction between mothers and children. When weaning, mothers’ hearts may be complicated, but as long as they push forward patiently and show more care to their babies, they can help their babies pass the weaning period smoothly.
Under what circumstances is weaning inappropriate?
1. Worry about baby allergy
Some studies suggest that babies should be exclusively breastfed instead of formula milk for at least the first 6 months after birth. This may help avoid or delay the occurrence of eczema, milk allergy and asthma.
2. The baby is not feeling well.
If the child is sick or has teeth, it is recommended to wait for this period and wait for the baby to be in good condition before considering weaning. If the mother feels bad, the weaning time can also be postponed. Both the mother and the baby are healthy, which can make weaning smoother.
3. Important changes in the family
It is best to avoid important changes in the home when choosing the period to start weaning. For example, if you have just moved home or the child’s care environment changes, you should postpone the weaning date.