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Breastfeeding is about more than optimal nutrition for your baby. Continuing breastfeeding for as long as possible also gives your baby important emotional benefits. For example, the warmth and security felt during nursing can readily soothe a cranky, frightened or tired baby. The immune benefits also continue throughout the course of breastfeeding.
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As you continue nursing, your baby will also experience some of the flavors of the foods you eat, since food flavors pass through your milk. Imagine your baby enjoying some of the tastes of your family and culture long before his or her first bite of solid foods.
When the time comes to wean your baby completely from the breast, do it slowly and with love. Substitute one feeding at a time with other kinds of loving care—reading a story together, doing puzzles or going for a walk. The time it takes to complete weaning may vary, depending on how often your baby nurses.
Many dads, grandparents and other caregivers can bond with baby by taking part in the feeding process. They can help by giving a bottle of expressed milk or formula in the early evening or in the middle of the night. This gives mom a chance to rest and gives other special caregivers an opportunity to feed baby and form emotional bonds.
Introducing solids does not necessarily mean it's time to wean. In fact, feeding solids can complement continued breastfeeding when your baby is ready. A baby may be ready for solids when he or she has met all of the following readiness cues:
sits with support and has good head control, and
has doubled birth weight and weighs at least 13 lbs., and
continues to be hungry after 8 to 10 breastfeedings, or drinks 32 oz. of formula a day.
Every baby is different. Talk with your pediatrician about whether your baby is ready to start solids. Read more about starting solids.
