Weaning is a stage that all toddlers go through but is often dreaded by parents. If you don’t know how to do it, working out where to start can be quite a minefield.
If you’re currently still breastfeeding, you’re likely wondering when the best time would be to start the weaning process. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the baby should remain on milk until six months of age and a mixture of solid food and milk until 12 months old. Starting the weaning process is a personal decision that is solely made by the parent; however, it takes time and patience to carry out the entire process from start to finish.
The good news is that weaning doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow some key strategies, as listed below:
·Take a slow approach
During the first few days of the weaning process, be sure to take it slow by introducing solids at one mealtime per day. This is a new experience for both of you and won’t be straightforward. To make the first few feeds as stress-free as possible, start weaning in the morning, as opposed to the evening, which is typically when your baby is more tired and agitated.
·Buy weaning bibs
Weaning is sure to be a messy process – remember that solid food is completely new to your little one, so they may spit it out from time to time. Having to change your baby’s clothes three times a day is not only frustrating but also very impractical. With this in mind, it would be worth stocking up on weaning bibs from Bibado that catch spills and are easy to wipe down.
·Change up your routine
One of the best tips to carry out a simple weaning process is to change up your usual routine. Over time, your baby will have gotten used to certain procedures that indicate when they are going to be fed. For example, bedtime is the most common time for nursing, so you may need to come up with new ways to send them off to sleep. Ideas could include extra cuddles, reading bedtime stories, or a warm bath.
·Take care of you
Post-weaning depression is a real struggle for some women. During this time, it’s natural to feel sensitive, grouchy, and weepy with no obvious trigger. This is a new stage of motherhood, so the shift is bound to have an effect on both your mind and body.Aside from the needs of your baby, always remember to take care of yourself, too.
Ensure you’re getting a well-balanced diet, a good night’s sleep, and regular exercise, as well as expressing how you’re feeling to loved ones and especially your partner.
Final word
Weaning is not a quick process – it could take weeks or even months; therefore, patience is key. Letting go can be quite a strain on new mothers, but by taking it slow and giving your little one plenty of reassurance, you’re sure to get there in the end.
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