Weaning is the term used to describe how a child moves on from breastfeeding to either a bottle, cup or solid foods.
When to Start Weaning
The decision to wean a child is solely based on the mother. A mother may start weaning right away in preparation to resume work while another might wait till the child is a toddler. Children are different and tolerate weaning in different ways.
Some accept weaning easily while others are very reluctant to stop breastfeeding and refuse bottles or any form of feeding.
Types of Weaning
Baby-Led Weaning: This occurs when the child stops breastfeeding on his/her own.
Gradual Weaning: This is a slow or weaning process that takes place over weeks, months or years.
Partial Weaning: This is an alternative for a child not exclusively breastfed.
Sudden Weaning: This is a quick end to breastfeeding.
Temporary Weaning: This occurs when breastfeeding stops for a short period and then restarted.
Tips to switching to a Bottle or a Cup
It should be gradual.
Give a bottle a day in place of one breastfeeding session.
As the day goes by, introduce more bottles and breastfeed less often.
Replace daytime feedings first, then change naptime and early mornings
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