Toddler Weaning Do's and Don'ts
If you are a momma of a toddler trying to wean him/her of breastfeeding or you already did it, then you know how hard it can be.
My son was weaned completely when he was 2.8 years old. I know it was a little late but... It was a hard phase for me and my toddler.
You see, I started to wean him after he was 2, but it didn't workout. I can blame myself for not being strict enough to follow through it. But after a few bumps and a lot more trantums on the road I finally succeded.
So if you are a mom trying to wean your toddler, here are a few things you should and should'nt do ( according to my experience) :
Do's :
1. Make up YOUR mind
Should I wean him now or not? If you are not yet convinced then you won't be strict in following through it. So make up your mind first and stick with your decision.
2. Decide on your process
There are many ways you can go about this, like gradually decreasing the no. of feedings, stopping either day time or night time feedings completely, or completely stopping at once.
I tried the first two methods, but it was making my toddler confused as to why mumma gives at one time and say no at other. So I chose the third, completely stopping at once.
3.Stop but offer
I know it contradicts the above point, but when I say stopping, it means you do something like - rubbing something on your nipples like neem oil or some lotion so that the taste is not good. Tell him it has become chhii chhii (bad or sour) and you can't do anything about it.
But when your kid ask for it don't say no, just put something on your breast and then offer.
3. Offer him his favorite foods
Give your toddler whatever he or she loves to eat. For few days don't say no to his favorite snacks like chips or cookies. Your toddler's tummy should be full or the tantrums may go more intense.
4. Be prepared to lose sleep
My toddler loved to nurse at night, so the first few nights were terrible for both of us. No sleep and lots of crying. So you should be prepared for that mentally.
5. Have patience
It took a month and a half for my kid to finally accept that he will never get mumma' s milk now. You just have to hang on to your patience.
Don'ts:
1. Do not feel guilty
It is very important to remember that you are doing it for your child. When the tantrums or cryings are going on and on, DO NOT waver by feeling sad for your kid or feeling guilty for making him/her cry.
2. Don't quit in middle
This is something I am guilty off. I was so tired and frustrated one day, I succumbed to my kid. Trust me, it was one of the WORST mistake I ever made. Starting all over again is not easy.
3.Don't say No
As I mentioned previously, don't say no when your toddler asks for a feed. We all know toddlers love to do things we say no to. So just apply something that is safe for your kid on your breast and then offer. Gradually your kid will start resenting the taste and smell.
So that's it from my side. How was your weaning experience mommies? Do tell me in comments.
Photo Credit : Unsplash #toddlers #toddlerweaning #beingmommy #beingmommynmore #bbcreatureclub
If you are a momma of a toddler trying to wean him/her of breastfeeding or you already did it, then you know how hard it can be.
My son was weaned completely when he was 2.8 years old. I know it was a little late but... It was a hard phase for me and my toddler.
You see, I started to wean him after he was 2, but it didn't workout. I can blame myself for not being strict enough to follow through it. But after a few bumps and a lot more trantums on the road I finally succeded.
So if you are a mom trying to wean your toddler, here are a few things you should and should'nt do ( according to my experience) :
Do's :
1. Make up YOUR mind
Should I wean him now or not? If you are not yet convinced then you won't be strict in following through it. So make up your mind first and stick with your decision.
2. Decide on your process
There are many ways you can go about this, like gradually decreasing the no. of feedings, stopping either day time or night time feedings completely, or completely stopping at once.
I tried the first two methods, but it was making my toddler confused as to why mumma gives at one time and say no at other. So I chose the third, completely stopping at once.
3.Stop but offer
I know it contradicts the above point, but when I say stopping, it means you do something like - rubbing something on your nipples like neem oil or some lotion so that the taste is not good. Tell him it has become chhii chhii (bad or sour) and you can't do anything about it.
But when your kid ask for it don't say no, just put something on your breast and then offer.
3. Offer him his favorite foods
Give your toddler whatever he or she loves to eat. For few days don't say no to his favorite snacks like chips or cookies. Your toddler's tummy should be full or the tantrums may go more intense.
4. Be prepared to lose sleep
My toddler loved to nurse at night, so the first few nights were terrible for both of us. No sleep and lots of crying. So you should be prepared for that mentally.
5. Have patience
It took a month and a half for my kid to finally accept that he will never get mumma' s milk now. You just have to hang on to your patience.
Don'ts:
1. Do not feel guilty
It is very important to remember that you are doing it for your child. When the tantrums or cryings are going on and on, DO NOT waver by feeling sad for your kid or feeling guilty for making him/her cry.
2. Don't quit in middle
This is something I am guilty off. I was so tired and frustrated one day, I succumbed to my kid. Trust me, it was one of the WORST mistake I ever made. Starting all over again is not easy.
3.Don't say No
As I mentioned previously, don't say no when your toddler asks for a feed. We all know toddlers love to do things we say no to. So just apply something that is safe for your kid on your breast and then offer. Gradually your kid will start resenting the taste and smell.
So that's it from my side. How was your weaning experience mommies? Do tell me in comments.
Photo Credit : Unsplash #toddlers #toddlerweaning #beingmommy #beingmommynmore #bbcreatureclub
