Switching from breastfeeding to bottle feeding is a big step that is not always easy, whether for the baby or for the mother. When the time comes for maternal weaning, it is important to take your time and act step by step. To put the forms, will allow to preserve the well-being of each one and to avoid any unnecessary tension.

Whatever the reasons for maternal weaning, it should take place gently and gradually. To do this, you will need to suppress a feed by a feed, ideally every two to three days, by replacing it with a bottle. This gradual weaning method will be beneficial both for you, avoiding any risk of engorgement or mastitis, and for your child for whom the detachment will be smooth. The adjustment may take several weeks or even months, depending on your child’s reactions.

The ideal is to give priority to eliminating feedings that correspond to the time when lactation is least important – the breasts are less full. You can start by eliminating the afternoon feed (s), then the evening feed to avoid engorgement at night and you will lastly eliminate the morning feed and any night feeds. The milk production is indeed very important at night.

Remember that breastfeeding responds to the law of supply and demand: the fewer feedings, the less milk production is stimulated. It will probably even dry up eventually as long as you only offer two feeds a day to your child.

In case your breasts are sore or swollen, do not hesitate to empty them a little under the hot water of the shower by squeezing them or by dipping your nipple in a glass of hot but not hot water, of course. On the other hand, avoid the breast pump which would stimulate lactation.

Weaning can be natural (infant-led) or planned (mother-led).

In “infant-led” weaning, the baby may show some signs that it is ready to stop latching: it may stiffen and throw its head back or turn its head from side to side several times. immediately when the breast is presented to him. This behavior can be transient (commonly called a “breastfeeding strike,” which often does not last) or permanent.

At around 6 months, your baby is usually ready to begin dietary diversification to discover other foods and meet his growing nutritional needs. It is generally at this age that the progressive weaning takes place: you will continue to breastfeed your child, at the same time that you will begin the food diversification. In this regard, you will know that your baby is ready to start eating other foods when he:

• seems to be hungry more often than usual,
• can sit up unaided and have good control of his neck muscles,
• keeps food in its mouth without immediately bringing it out with the tongue (disappearance of the tongue protrusion reflex)
• shows interest in food when people close to him eat and opens his mouth when he sees food coming in his direction
• is able to tell you that he does not want to eat by pulling back or turning his head.

In general, babies who are weaned gradually give up breastfeeding completely sometime between 2 and 4 years of age.

If your baby is only a few months old and has not yet started feeding diversification, the feedings will be replaced by powdered infant milk which will be given from the bottle. Be careful, however, to choose a milk suitable for the age of the child:

• From birth to 6 months: first age milk or infant milk
• From 6 months to 10 months: second age milk or follow-on milk
• From 10 months to 3 years: growth milk

As a reminder, it is not recommended to give cow’s milk to your child before the age of one year, and better yet, before the age of three. Also be careful with vegetable drinks: they are not adapted to the needs of babies and are formally not recommended for your little one because of the risk of serious deficiencies they cause.

The quantities of infant milk will of course have to be adapted according to the age of your child. If you see that baby finishes his bottles every time and seems to want more, prepare another 30 ml bottle (1 dose of milk) for him. On the other hand, if your baby tells you that he is no longer hungry by rejecting his bottle, do not force him to finish.

For you who are new to preparing baby bottles, here are some precautions to take:

• Always pour cold water (bottled or tap) into the bottle, dosing the amount according to the graduations on it.
• Heat the bottle in a bain-marie, in a bottle warmer or in the microwave.
• Add a level measuring spoon of milk to 30 ml of water. So for a 150 ml bottle, count 5 measures and 7 measures of milk for a 210 ml bottle
• Screw on the nipple then roll the bottle between your hands before shaking it up and down to mix the powder well with the water.
• Always check the temperature of the milk on the inside of your wrist before offering it to your baby. This will prevent any risk of burns.

If your child has started diversification, more or less solid foods and other liquids can replace feedings. Of course, adapt the textures according to the stage where your baby is at: smooth, ground, crushed foods, in small pieces. You will also make sure to follow the steps of introducing new foods according to the age of your child and to adjust the amounts according to his appetite.

After 6 months and outside of meals, you may be able to offer your baby small amounts of water in a learning cup. However, avoid fruit juices, especially if they are industrial because they have no nutritional value.

Weaning is a more or less easy step depending on the child and depending on the circumstances, but it must always take place very gradually: baby must familiarize himself at his own pace with this great change.

If your child is reluctant to bottle and even to cup or cup, do not force it. It would be counterproductive. Instead, change her mind, try offering the bottle again a little later, and make a smooth transition by offering your breast milk in a bottle before switching to powdered formula. When the baby categorically refuses the bottle, it is sometimes necessary that it is someone other than the mother – the father for example – who offers the bottle to the child. Often times, the situation is easier when the mother leaves the room or even the house while she is drinking because the baby does not smell the mother’s breast. So pass the baton!

And if he still refuses, it will certainly be necessary to postpone weaning for a few days. In the meantime, possibly reduce the duration of each feeding.

In addition, for weaning to take place in the best possible conditions, here are some additional tips:

• Multiply emotional exchanges outside of breastfeeding throughout weaning … and even after!
• Reassure and pamper your baby during the bottle-feeding time: be particularly attentive and delicate in your gestures to give your child confidence. Whisper him sweet words, stroke him and adopt the same position as when you breastfeed him (his body and his face are completely turned towards you). This extra closeness will help both of you during the withdrawal process. Don’t let your baby drink from his bottle alone, even if he seems to know how to do it.
• Change the context when you offer the bottle compared to when you breastfeed your child: change rooms, chairs, etc.

In addition, in order for weaning to go as smoothly as possible, it is advisable to wean your child at a time isolated from any other event that could disturb him: moving, entering a nursery or kindergarten, care with the nanny, separation, travel. , etc.

Also remember to position the bottle in “low speed” so that baby can satisfy his need to suck and does not encounter digestion concerns.

During weaning, it is always possible to go back and restart breastfeeding. Simply putting the baby back to the breast will stimulate milk production.

If weaning is over, restarting lactation is more difficult but still possible. Specifically trained health professionals can help you with this. Consult a lactation advisor, a midwife or a specialist in breastfeeding.