The weaning stage requires understanding and care, as it includes a change in the method of feeding and the transition from breast-feeding to bottle-feeding or eating food, and therefore it may affect the child in many ways, such as the psychological state and the child’s nutrition. To learn about The method of weaning from breastfeeding Safely and correctly, dear reader, follow this article.

The right timing for weaning

The appropriate time for weaning is after the child reaches two years of age, but there are some factors that may require or force the mother to wean her child before this time. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the necessity of adhering to breastfeeding during the first six months of the child’s life, and with the start of the child’s eating of soft foods It is possible to move on to providing food in addition to breastfeeding until the child reaches the age of one, and then the mother can make the decision to wean the child.

If the mother intends to wean the child after reaching the first year, it is better to start the weaning of the child after reaching the age of 6 months by reducing the feeding times and preparing the child to eat, so that the child then begins to search for different types of foods and the desire to discover them, which provides an opportunity to wean him easily and prevents the negative effect of weaning on nutrition or on the psychological health of the child.

Types of weaning

There are some types of weaning a child from breastfeeding, and they are as follows:

• Gradual weaning, which is a slow weaning process that occurs over weeks, months or years.
• Sudden weaning, which is the rapid cessation or cessation of breastfeeding.
• Partial weaning, which is done by reducing breastfeeding times rather than completely preventing it.
• Temporary weaning, which is stopping breastfeeding for a short period and then resuming it again, and it is resorted to if the mother is going through a certain health condition that needs to stop breastfeeding temporarily.
• Self-weaning, which is when a child stops breastfeeding on his own after reaching the first year.

The method of weaning from breastfeeding

Here are some ways that can help you wean your baby gradually:

Reducing breastfeeding times

Reducing breast-feeding is about fewer sessions, taking into account that the baby is well-fed and satiated. You can gradually reduce feeding times by skipping some sessions such as reducing the number of feedings during the night to help the baby adjust and gradually reducing milk secretion to prevent engorgement.

You can easily achieve this by satiating the baby enough in each feeding session, especially the one just before he sleeps, and also by replacing breast feeding with formula milk in a cup or bottle, or offering cow’s milk if your child is at least one year old, This will contribute to helping you feed and satisfy the baby and reduce feeding times without suffering.

Reducing the duration of breastfeeding

You can set a specific time for the feeding session and gradually reduce its duration. For example, if the child usually breastfeeds for 10 minutes, try to reduce it to 5 minutes, and so on, according to his age. In addition, give your child snacks such as unsweetened apple juice, a cup of breast milk, formula milk, or soft fruits. Puree if your baby is over 8 months old.

Distract the baby from feeding

This method is suitable for children over a year old or in the final stages of weaning. Try to distract your child from breastfeeding and get him used to leaving it by distracting him by playing, giving him food, or giving him milk in a bottle.

To ease his transition to bottle feeding instead of the breast, try putting drops of breast milk on the baby’s lips and tongue before inserting the bottle into his mouth. You can also offer a small amount of breast milk in the bottle two hours after feeding and before he feels hungry.

After finding out The method of weaning from breastfeeding You can consult a doctor about the appropriate time to wean your child and the most important foods and supplements that you can rely on during the lactation period to provide complete nutrition for the child, with our wishes of continued health and happiness.