When and how to wean?

When to start weaning is decided on by you and your baby. There is no one right time to wean. Some children want to be breastfed for longer than the mother wants to. Personal needs should also be taken into account.

Babies need so-called ‘weaning food’ from four months at the earliest and at the beginning of the 7th month at the latest for growth. Breastfeeding should be substituted by baby food step-by-step. This is the most natural way to wean.

You can carry on breastfeeding the remaining milk feeds – as long as you and your baby are comfortable with it. If you wish to wean (or have to), slowly swap (one feeding at a time) breastfeeding with infant milk formula.

If your baby refuses the substitute milk or teat, try starting with pumped milk, or dip the teat in breast milk.

Important note:

Breastfeeding is the best and cheapest form of nutrition for your baby. At the same time, it provides good protection against illness. Frequent feeding is the best way to encourage milk flow. When breastfeeding, take care to maintain a well-balanced diet. It is difficult to reverse your decision should you decide not to breastfeed. If you give your baby additional formula, it may affect the success of breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Please seek advice from your clinic or paediatrician.