Weaning Tips from a Pediatric OT & Mom of 2

Weaning your baby off the bottle or breast around the one-year mark can be an exciting and bittersweet milestone. On one hand, it’s a sign of your baby getting older and becoming their own person, but on the other, it’s often accompanied by challenges, emotions, and some trial and error. Don’t worry though—with patience, a little prep, and some helpful tips, you can make the weaning transition smoother for both you and your baby!

What is weaning and why does it matter?

Weaning isn’t just about saying goodbye to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It’s also about introducing new ways for your child to get proper nutrients to grow big and strong, fostering independence in multiple areas, and encouraging healthy eating habits. Around one year of age, babies start shifting from formula or breastmilk to cow’s milk (or an appropriate alternative), along with a varied diet of solid foods. This change supports their growth and developmental needs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should be fed either breastmilk or formula for the first 12 months of life, but after that whole cow’s milk, or milk alternatives may be introduced.

Here are some practical tips that I have found helpful, that may help you too with the weaning process.

First, choose the right time to wean

Timing is everything when it comes to weaning. Ideally, you want to pick a moment when both you and your baby are ready. Avoid starting during major transitions like moving, teething, or starting daycare. Your baby’s mood and health are also crucial—a sick or cranky baby is less likely to embrace big changes like weaning, so making sure your baby is happy and healthy is best.

Your baby will also give you tons of signs that they are ready to wean. If bottle fed, your baby will likely begin to not finish their bottles, especially daytime bottles. Your baby will become more interested in being a part of family mealtime, and may push away the bottle at times when offered. 

If breastfed, your baby will begin to take in less breastmilk and you may notice that your supply is not as high, or your baby may only nurse for a very short time when preparing to wean. The most important thing to note when weaning off the breast is to follow your baby’s lead. To ensure a more easy transition off of the breast, avoid using breastfeeding as a smoothing activity and instead, only for feedings. Of course every parent is different, and if nursing your child to soothe them is what works for you, then do whatever is best! If you do not prefer to soothe your baby by breastfeeding during non-mealtimes, try rocking, bouncing, or shushing your baby instead.

If you’re breastfeeding, gradual weaning over weeks or even months by dropping feedings or lengthening time between each feeding can be easier on both your body and your baby. For bottle-fed babies, phasing out bottles one by one, or during parts of their day, tends to work best.

Next, introducing a cup early can help with weaning!

Getting your baby comfortable with a straw cup can make weaning much smoother. Around six months, start offering a straw cup with water during meals. Don’t be alarmed if your baby isn’t drinking a ton of the water. Remember: all of your baby’s nutrients and hydration are coming from formula or breast milk before 12 months. By the time your baby is nearing their first birthday, they’ll already be familiar with the straw cup which will be used in place of bottles and breast feedings once the weaning process begins!

Transitioning from a bottle to a cup can feel like a big step, but persistence pays off. Offer cups consistently at mealtime from 6-12 months, and don’t worry if your baby is hesitant at first. Practice makes perfect.

Then, start weaning gradually following your baby’s lead

Gradual weaning is often the gentlest approach. If you’re breastfeeding, begin by dropping one feeding session at a time, starting with the least important one (like midday). This allows your baby’s appetite and routine to adjust slowly. For bottle-fed babies, you might replace one bottle with a cup of milk or water during a meal. Or you may replace daytime bottle feedings with straw cups of formula while keeping the morning and night time bottle feedings for a few weeks.

Once your baby is comfortable with the new routine, drop another feeding. Continue this pattern until all feedings are replaced. Nighttime feedings are usually the hardest to drop, so save those for last if needed. 

A good schedule to work towards for your baby can be found below.

The times may vary, but once your baby is accustom to this type of daytime routine, the night time feedings can be dropped when you and your baby are ready.

Next, offer plenty of distractions for your baby

Babies often nurse or drink from a bottle for comfort as much as for nutrition. During the weaning process, offer other sources of comfort and distraction. This might include cuddling, reading books, or playing together. You may also draw your baby’s attention to other things in their environment to distract them and redirect their attention.

For bottle-fed babies, swapping out a bottle for a fun activity can help ease the transition. If they’re used to a bedtime bottle, you might replace it with a soothing bedtime routine, like a warm bath or a lullaby. Establishing good nap time and night time routines when you eliminate bottle or breast feedings is going to be key in you and your baby’s weaning success.

Next, encourage your baby to self-feed

When you begin solids with your baby, it’s always a good thing to encourage as much independence as possible for your baby. This may be picking up a hand-held sized food and attempting to bring it to their mouth. And once your baby gets closer to 9 months old, they will be self feeding with their hands fairly well. One-year-olds are typically curious and eager to explore new foods. You can encourage self-feeding at this age and before by offering a variety of finger foods that are easy to pick up and chew, like small pieces of banana, soft-cooked veggies, or fruit. It’s always safe to prepare finger foods no bigger than your pinky finger nail to avoid unsafe sizes.

Self-feeding can help your baby feel more independent and make the transition away from breastmilk or formula as their primary food source smoother. Ensure they’re still getting the nutrients they need, including iron-rich foods like beans and eggs, as well as a balanced plate of meat, veggies, and fruits.

Then, be consistent with your weaning approach

Consistency is key during the weaning process. Once you decide to drop a feeding, stick to the plan. If you go back and forth, your baby might become confused and more resistant to the change.

Once you start to introduce straw cups in place of daytime bottle or breast feedings you may result in giving your baby a "top off" with the bottle or breast, but try to be as consistent as possible. If your baby has another caregiver or goes to daycare, be sure they are fully educated on your approach to weaning so they can support you and your baby in this process.

It’s okay to have occasional setbacks, but try to maintain the overall direction. Babies thrive on routine, so sticking to predictable mealtimes and sleep schedules can also help.

Next, don’t offer milk as a replacement for comfort

If your baby is used to nursing or bottle-feeding for comfort, avoid replacing those sessions with a cup of milk once your baby is weaned. Instead, focus on non-food comfort strategies, like extra cuddles, rocking, or singing. This helps reinforce the idea that milk is for nutrition rather than soothing. I know this can be super difficult, especially if your baby was comforted with breast or bottle before weaning. My motto is “do whatever works for you”. If comforting your baby with breast or bottle worked for you, then that is great! But, it’s recommended that once your baby is weaned that milk of any form is not used for soothing. 

Keep night time changes gradual for your baby

Nighttime weaning can be the most challenging part of the process, especially if your baby is used to feeding to fall asleep. Start by reducing the amount of milk in the bottle or the duration of nursing sessions. Over time, replace nighttime feedings with other soothing techniques, like patting their back or offering a favorite blanket after 12 months old. A night time routine is going to be your best friend! Be sure to prioritize a repeatable routine for your baby after the weaning process.

Next, be patient and flexible with your baby and yourself 

Weaning isn’t a linear process. Some days, your baby might adapt well to changes; other days, they may resist. Stay patient and flexible, adjusting your approach as needed. If your baby shows signs of distress, it’s okay to pause and try again later. And letting you baby lead this process is the best thing you can do!

Remember, every baby is SO different. Some wean quickly, while others take more time. Celebrate the small wins and trust that you’re making progress, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

Lastly, take care of yourself

Weaning can be an emotional experience for parents, too. It’s normal to feel a mix of sadness, relief, and pride as your baby takes this next step toward independence. Allow yourself to grieve the end of this chapter if you need to, and focus on the new ways you can bond with your child.

If you are having a difficult time mentally, consider consulting a professional and talking to a friend that has been through this before. Parenting can be a mix of emotions, so know you are not alone!

For breastfeeding moms, gradual weaning also helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of engorgement or mastitis. Stay hydrated, and reach out to Lacey, the SLP & lactation consultant inside Bloom by Infant Insights if you have concerns.

Weaning your baby off the bottle or breast is a big milestone, but it’s also a process that requires time and patience. By choosing the right time based on your baby’s cues, taking a gradual approach, and offering plenty of love and support, you and your baby can navigate this transition smoothly.

Every baby’s journey is unique, so don’t compare your experience to others. Trust your instincts, and remember that you’re doing a great job. Soon, this phase will be a fond memory, and you’ll be celebrating the next big milestone in your little one’s life! You are such an amazing parent!