Are you confused when to wean your infant? Weaning your child is considered an important milestone for both of you. Now you’ll get back to your original size. You feel more freedom, you wear whatever you want and eat whatever you want without having to worry about your baby. You will be able to depend on solid foods and can stay away from you for a longer time.

Weaning is usually accompanied by some challenges like a baby crying day and night and refusing to eat, a mother can suffer sleep deprivation and mood swings. Here you go a guide on how to wean your child easily.

When Should I Wean My Child?

You are the best one to determine when to stop breastfeeding. when both of you are ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding until the child is at least 12 months old, and even longer if needed.

Signs that your baby is ready to include being able to depend more on solid foods than breastmilk, which makes weaning much easier. Some children prefer solid foods and drinking using a glass to breastfeeding after 12 months. If your child is impatient or is easily distracted during breastfeeding then this might be a sign that he is ready.

It’s not a good idea to just disappear off the radar. For instance, leaving him for few days with his grandmother or so can be traumatic for your baby and can cause plugged ducts or infection to your breasts.

Steps for An Easy and Quick Weaning

When deciding to wean your child, make sure it’s the right time to, and avoid times when there are big events going on like moving into a new house, having a new baby… etc.

Limit the frequency: If you breastfeed twice a day make it once.

Limit the time: If it takes 10 mins make it only five.

Use alternatives: After breastfeeding offer some healthy foods or drinks that make him full. For example, milk, fruits or stuff he likes.

Night breastfeeding: Make it the last step during the weaning process.

Distract him: When he asks for it try to distract him by giving him toys, playing games, or give him finger foods.

When weaning your child expect him to be frustrated and cry more. If you try everything and nothing works this can be a sign that he’s just not ready. Try one month later.

Healthy baby diet after 12 months

To create a healthy diet for your baby, make sure to offer every food group every day.

Starchy food (carbohydrates)

Like cereals, pasta, rice, couscous, potato and sweet potato.

Offer with each meal and as snacks.

Vegetables and fruits

Offer him a dish full of colorful pieces of vegetables or fruits.

Offer them after meals as desserts so he’ll not only relate desserts with sweets and chocolates.

Protein and Iron sources

Meat, fish, egg, lentils, nuts, peanut butter are all examples of foods rich in iron and proteins.

Your baby needs 2-3 servings every day.

Dairy foods

Dairy foods are rich in calcium which helps in bone growth in children. Make sure to offer 3 portions every day.

Most common examples are yogurt, milk, and cheese.

Offer plain, full-fat yogurt and if your child likes sweetened food mix fruits.

The ease and time taken for weaning depend on the nature of the baby and the mother. eventually, you'll feel the accomplishment, then start a new adventure with your little one 

Sources

BabyCenter