8 Most Effective Ways to Wean a Child Without Fuss

Kapanlagi.com - Are you one of the parents who experience a big dilemma when weaning your baby? Usually, when the child reaches the age of 2 years old, parents will stop giving breast milk that has been used as nutrition for the baby.But apparently, weaning is not an easy thing and the habit of giving breast milk is very difficult to stop.Not to mention the baby who becomes fussy due to weaning, it becomes a sadness for the parents.However, weaning must also be done and as parents, we also support the child's development to the next stage.

You need to know that the signs that a child is ready to be weaned are that the child can sit upright for a long time. The child also opens his mouth when given food, and the child is able to put food in his mouth by himself.Not only beneficial for the baby, weaning a child also benefits the mother by reducing the risk of breast infection swelling.

Weaning cannot be done carelessly. Patience with love is needed so that the child does not feel distressed when weaning. Therefore, you need to know how to wean a child as summarized in the following review.

1. Shorten Breastfeeding Time

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The first way to wean a child is by giving them shorter breastfeeding time. If the child usually breastfeeds for 10 minutes, now you can shorten it to only 5 minutes.

In addition, you can also gradually replace breast milk with formula milk or baby porridge. If this method is successful, eventually you can fully wean the child from breast milk to formula milk.

2. Switching to Bottle Feeding

Another effective way to wean a child is by switching to bottle feeding. If breastfeeding was previously done directly, now you can give milk using a bottle.

Although it is not easy, make sure to provide a comfortable nipple and bottle for the child's mouth. This way, the child will gradually get used to using a bottle.

3. Postponing Breastfeeding Time

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The next method to wean a child is by delaying the schedule of breastfeeding. By doing so, it can reduce the frequency of breastfeeding in a day.

For example, when the child wants to breastfeed in the afternoon, you can explain to them that they have to wait until bedtime to breastfeed. In addition, you can also offer them formula milk or other snacks.

4. Communicating Early

Furthermore, a method to wean a child that you can apply is by communicating early. It is advisable to start giving understanding to stop breastfeeding when the child is 18 months old.

This is because 18 months old is the right age to provide guidance and understanding to the child. Because the little one has started to communicate well and understand many instructions given by parents.

Although there are times when the child is fussy, as a parent, you must always be patient and use praising sentences for the child.

5. Replace Breastfeeding Activities with Fun Activities

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Weaning is certainly not an easy task. There are many struggles that mothers go through to successfully wean their baby. One way you can do this is by redirecting your child's attention to engaging activities instead of breastfeeding.

This method of weaning can also be accompanied by playing with your child or reading books together. This way, these activities will make the child forget about breastfeeding.

6. Husband Plays an Important Role in Weaning

Another way to wean your child is by involving your husband. Why is that? Because husbands also play an important role in motivating and assisting mothers in weaning their little ones.

So, when you as a mother run out of ways to deal with a fussy child who wants to breastfeed, it is the husband's duty to help divert the child's attention so that they are no longer fussy and forget to ask for breast milk. This requires joint responsibility between the mother and father to successfully wean the child.

7. Give Another Way for Children to Sleep

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If usually when a child wants to sleep, they have to breastfeed, now the mother's task is needed to change that habit. Yes, you also have to leave the habit of putting the child to sleep in that way.

You can replace it by putting them to sleep on a mattress, a rocking chair, or other ways that can make the child feel more comfortable. By changing that habit, the child no longer needs to sleep while breastfeeding.

8. Give More Love

The way to wean a child that you need to know is by giving full love to your child. Because when a child stops breastfeeding, they will think that they are no longer loved by their parents. Therefore, it is important to give more attention to the child by frequently kissing, hugging, and playing with them.

Those are a series of ways to wean a child that you can apply. Most importantly, when weaning, the mother's role to remain patient is indeed needed. Also, avoid weaning a child when they are sick. Hopefully, it is useful.

(kpl/dtm)