How to Properly Wean a Breastfed Baby and Six Common Misconceptions
How to Properly Wean a Breastfed Baby and Six Common Misconceptions
Weaning is a challenge for both the baby and the mother, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. So, how should you wean a breastfed baby?
How to Wean a Breastfed Baby
Observe the Introduction of Complementary Foods
Before the baby turns 6 months old, breast milk can fully provide the necessary nutrients and calories for their growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continuing breastfeeding until age 2 or beyond, even after introducing complementary foods at 6 months. The timing of introducing complementary foods depends on the baby and mother's specific circumstances.
There are several signs to look for when deciding to start introducing complementary foods. While 6 months is a general guideline, some babies may be ready at around 5 months, while others, especially those prone to allergies, might need more time to prepare. Look for cues like the baby showing interest in other foods, being able to sit well, having good tongue development, and no longer pushing food out of their mouth. When these signs are present, it's generally a good time to start introducing complementary foods.
Initially, it's common to start with diluted fruit juice and rice cereal. However, Dr. Gao Yiling specifically suggests not limiting the baby to starchy foods only. Besides rice cereal, you can also include water-boiled fish, beef, legumes, and other nutrient-rich options. In the early stages of introducing complementary foods, stick to one type of food for a few days. If the baby shows no signs of an allergic reaction, gradually introduce other foods. As the variety of complementary foods grows and the baby's intake increases, their eating habits will shift away from milk, marking successful weaning. Remember not to stress too much about the quantity of complementary foods. Creating a relaxed mealtime atmosphere is crucial for a smooth transition.
Pay Attention to Baby's Emotional Reactions
Is it dependency or hunger?
During the weaning process, when the baby fusses for breast milk, mothers need to determine whether it's due to genuine hunger and physiological needs or if the baby is seeking comfort and attention. For example, if the baby wants to nurse when the mother is on the phone, it might be more about seeking attention. If the mother doesn't like this nursing-on-demand behavior, she can put down the phone and take the baby for a walk. If the baby is used to nursing before bedtime, the mother can try incorporating a bedtime story to break this habit. If the baby tends to wake up early and cling to the mother for nursing, the mother can wake up a bit earlier and make sure the baby has nothing to nurse on.
Timing of Complementary Feeding
Many mothers worry that their baby won't accept complementary foods, making weaning more difficult. Weaning isn't a magical solution to make a child eat obediently; it's essential to find ways to make the baby interested in eating. When the baby is simultaneously hungry and tired and shows no interest in complementary foods, they might just want the convenience and comfort of nursing. To increase the baby's interest in complementary foods, offer them when the baby isn't overly tired or hungry.
After turning 1 year old, babies can consume a wider range of foods, including whole milk, soy milk, or millet milk. Some babies might even be ready for adult food. Mothers can carry scissors to cut fish, meat, and vegetables into small pieces, making them easier to chew. Breast milk can still be offered as a nutritional supplement, providing nourishment and antibodies.
Timing is Crucial
Timing is critical when implementing a weaning plan. From a child's growth perspective, it's easier to wean a child before they turn 1 or after they reach 2 years old. This is because toddlers around 1 year old are in a stage where they might not fully understand or communicate their emotions, resulting in emotional fluctuations. After 2 years of age, their cognitive, understanding, and communication skills are more developed, making it easier to communicate effectively.
Different Approaches for Different Mothers
The execution of a weaning plan can vary depending on whether the mother is a working professional. For working mothers, it's recommended to gradually reduce daytime pumping sessions before the baby turns 1, continuing breastfeeding when they return home from work. Full-time mothers can start introducing complementary foods between two breastfeeding sessions once the baby is 6 months old. After the baby turns 1 year old, progressively replace one breastfeeding session with complementary foods. This helps the baby become accustomed to foods other than breast milk.
Six Common Misconceptions About Weaning
Misconception 1: Repeatedly Weaning the Baby
In the weaning process, mothers should help babies gradually adapt to dietary changes while maintaining a determined and resolute attitude. You shouldn't delay weaning just because the baby cries or fusses for a moment. Repeatedly starting and stopping weaning can be emotionally challenging for the baby and may lead to instability in the baby's emotions, night terrors, refusal to eat, and even future psychological issues.
Misconception 2: Neglecting Preparation for Complementary Foods
Some mothers don't prepare or introduce complementary foods to their babies before starting the weaning process. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and psychological distress for the baby, who might feel abandoned by their mother. It's essential to make a gradual transition and introduce complementary foods before completely weaning.
Misconception 3: Overlooking the Mother's "Weaning" Response
Weaning can cause hormonal changes in a mother's body, leading to negative emotions such as depression and irritability. Mothers also require support and attention during this time.
Misconception 4: Mother "Disappearing" During Weaning
Separating the mother from the baby for extended periods during weaning is not recommended. Such separations can lead to insecurity in the baby, especially if they are heavily reliant on breastfeeding. Babies may experience anxiety, refuse to eat or drink, avoid being held by others, become less communicative with adults, exhibit mood swings, become fussy, and have difficulty sleeping or even become ill.
Misconception 5: Making Breast Milk "Unappetizing" During Weaning
Some mothers attempt to make breast milk unappealing by applying irritants like ink, chili water, or medicated oils to the nipples, thinking this will discourage the baby from breastfeeding. However, this can backfire, causing the baby to develop fear and anxiety. Such tactics can lead to a refusal to eat and affect the baby's overall health.
Weaning is a challenge for both the baby and the mother, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. So, how should you wean a breastfed baby?
How to Wean a Breastfed Baby
Observe the Introduction of Complementary Foods
Before the baby turns 6 months old, breast milk can fully provide the necessary nutrients and calories for their growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continuing breastfeeding until age 2 or beyond, even after introducing complementary foods at 6 months. The timing of introducing complementary foods depends on the baby and mother's specific circumstances.
There are several signs to look for when deciding to start introducing complementary foods. While 6 months is a general guideline, some babies may be ready at around 5 months, while others, especially those prone to allergies, might need more time to prepare. Look for cues like the baby showing interest in other foods, being able to sit well, having good tongue development, and no longer pushing food out of their mouth. When these signs are present, it's generally a good time to start introducing complementary foods.
Initially, it's common to start with diluted fruit juice and rice cereal. However, Dr. Gao Yiling specifically suggests not limiting the baby to starchy foods only. Besides rice cereal, you can also include water-boiled fish, beef, legumes, and other nutrient-rich options. In the early stages of introducing complementary foods, stick to one type of food for a few days. If the baby shows no signs of an allergic reaction, gradually introduce other foods. As the variety of complementary foods grows and the baby's intake increases, their eating habits will shift away from milk, marking successful weaning. Remember not to stress too much about the quantity of complementary foods. Creating a relaxed mealtime atmosphere is crucial for a smooth transition.
Pay Attention to Baby's Emotional Reactions
Is it dependency or hunger?
During the weaning process, when the baby fusses for breast milk, mothers need to determine whether it's due to genuine hunger and physiological needs or if the baby is seeking comfort and attention. For example, if the baby wants to nurse when the mother is on the phone, it might be more about seeking attention. If the mother doesn't like this nursing-on-demand behavior, she can put down the phone and take the baby for a walk. If the baby is used to nursing before bedtime, the mother can try incorporating a bedtime story to break this habit. If the baby tends to wake up early and cling to the mother for nursing, the mother can wake up a bit earlier and make sure the baby has nothing to nurse on.
Timing of Complementary Feeding
Many mothers worry that their baby won't accept complementary foods, making weaning more difficult. Weaning isn't a magical solution to make a child eat obediently; it's essential to find ways to make the baby interested in eating. When the baby is simultaneously hungry and tired and shows no interest in complementary foods, they might just want the convenience and comfort of nursing. To increase the baby's interest in complementary foods, offer them when the baby isn't overly tired or hungry.
After turning 1 year old, babies can consume a wider range of foods, including whole milk, soy milk, or millet milk. Some babies might even be ready for adult food. Mothers can carry scissors to cut fish, meat, and vegetables into small pieces, making them easier to chew. Breast milk can still be offered as a nutritional supplement, providing nourishment and antibodies.
Timing is Crucial
Timing is critical when implementing a weaning plan. From a child's growth perspective, it's easier to wean a child before they turn 1 or after they reach 2 years old. This is because toddlers around 1 year old are in a stage where they might not fully understand or communicate their emotions, resulting in emotional fluctuations. After 2 years of age, their cognitive, understanding, and communication skills are more developed, making it easier to communicate effectively.
Different Approaches for Different Mothers
The execution of a weaning plan can vary depending on whether the mother is a working professional. For working mothers, it's recommended to gradually reduce daytime pumping sessions before the baby turns 1, continuing breastfeeding when they return home from work. Full-time mothers can start introducing complementary foods between two breastfeeding sessions once the baby is 6 months old. After the baby turns 1 year old, progressively replace one breastfeeding session with complementary foods. This helps the baby become accustomed to foods other than breast milk.
Six Common Misconceptions About Weaning
Misconception 1: Repeatedly Weaning the Baby
In the weaning process, mothers should help babies gradually adapt to dietary changes while maintaining a determined and resolute attitude. You shouldn't delay weaning just because the baby cries or fusses for a moment. Repeatedly starting and stopping weaning can be emotionally challenging for the baby and may lead to instability in the baby's emotions, night terrors, refusal to eat, and even future psychological issues.
Misconception 2: Neglecting Preparation for Complementary Foods
Some mothers don't prepare or introduce complementary foods to their babies before starting the weaning process. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and psychological distress for the baby, who might feel abandoned by their mother. It's essential to make a gradual transition and introduce complementary foods before completely weaning.
Misconception 3: Overlooking the Mother's "Weaning" Response
Weaning can cause hormonal changes in a mother's body, leading to negative emotions such as depression and irritability. Mothers also require support and attention during this time.
Misconception 4: Mother "Disappearing" During Weaning
Separating the mother from the baby for extended periods during weaning is not recommended. Such separations can lead to insecurity in the baby, especially if they are heavily reliant on breastfeeding. Babies may experience anxiety, refuse to eat or drink, avoid being held by others, become less communicative with adults, exhibit mood swings, become fussy, and have difficulty sleeping or even become ill.
Misconception 5: Making Breast Milk "Unappetizing" During Weaning
Some mothers attempt to make breast milk unappealing by applying irritants like ink, chili water, or medicated oils to the nipples, thinking this will discourage the baby from breastfeeding. However, this can backfire, causing the baby to develop fear and anxiety. Such tactics can lead to a refusal to eat and affect the baby's overall health.
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