Weaning Your Baby: When, Why, and How to Do It Gently

Posted at 10:11 AM on Aug 12, 2025

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By: Dr. Jennifer Purifoy

Weaning is a big step—for both baby and parent. Whether it’s planned or prompted by life changes, the process of transitioning away from breastfeeding is deeply personal. There’s no single “right” way or “right” time to wean—but there are ways to do it gently, thoughtfully, and with support.

At Northwest Family Clinics, the care team encourages families to view weaning not as an ending, but as a natural evolution of your baby’s growth and independence. With the right guidance and timing, the process can be both smooth and reassuring for everyone involved.

When Should You Start Weaning?

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with the introduction of complementary foods until Baby is 2 years old. The APA supports breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by the mother and infant: They support breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or longer, if both the mother and infant want to continue. After 6 months, weaning can occur whenever it feels right for both parent and child.

Some parents begin the process gradually after their baby turns one. Others may start earlier due to work demands, medical reasons, or personal preference. The key is to find a pace that supports the baby’s development while honoring the parent’s needs and emotions.

Weaning doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many families move to a mixed approach first—like nursing at night and offering bottles or solids during the day.

Why Parents Wean

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There are many valid reasons a parent might choose to wean:

  • Baby-led readiness: The child shows reduced interest in nursing or becomes easily distracted.
  • Return to work or school: Practical shifts in availability or access.
  • Health concerns: A medical issue or new medication may require weaning.
  • Emotional readiness: The parent feels it’s time to transition to a new phase.
  • Pregnancy: Some may choose to stop breastfeeding when pregnant again.

Whatever the reason, support and understanding are essential—because weaning isn’t just physical, it’s often emotional too.

Signs Your Baby May Be Ready to Wean

Babies typically begin showing signs of readiness between 9 and 18 months. Some common indicators include:

  • Decreased interest in nursing sessions
  • Easily distracted during feeds
  • Increased interest in solid foods
  • Comfort found through other forms of closeness, like snuggling or holding hands

Keep in mind, temporary nursing strikes can also happen due to illness, teething, or developmental leaps—and may not always signal readiness to wean.

How to Wean Gently

Agradual, gentle approach is usually best—for both comfort and milk supply regulation. Here are some helpful steps:

1. Drop One Feeding at a Time
Start by eliminating one nursing session, usually the one your baby seems least attached to. Replace it with a bottle, cup, or snack depending on age and preference.

2. Offer Distraction and Substitution
During previously established nursing times, offer a walk, snack, cuddle, or activity instead. Replacing routine and comfort helps smooth the transition.

3. Maintain Closeness in Other Ways
Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition—it’s comfort, connection, and routine. Continue offering closeness through rocking, reading, and skin-to-skin contact.

4. Monitor for Engorgement or Discomfort
Gradual weaning gives your body time to adjust. If engorgement occurs, consider hand expressing or pumping a small amount for relief—but avoid full drainage to help decrease supply.

5. Be Flexible
Some days your child may want to nurse more, especially during illness, teething, or emotional transitions. Reassurance and patience go a long way.

Emotional Impact of Weaning

Weaning is a milestone, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Many parents feel relief, sadness, pride, or uncertainty—all in the same day.

Breastfeeding is such an intimate part of early parenting. It’s perfectly normal to grieve the end of that chapter, even when you're confident in your decision.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, reach out to your provider or a lactation consultant. 

You're not meant to go through this alone.

There is no “Right” Timeline

Weaning is a personal decision shaped by your child’s development, your family’s needs, and your own readiness. There’s no universal timeline—just what works for you. Whether you’re slowly easing away from breastfeeding or ready to fully wean, the providers at Northwest Family Clinics are here to support your journey with evidence-based guidance and compassionate care.


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