Weaning children is a process that most parents go through as their child grows and becomes more independent. Weaned children can feed themselves but still require some assistance from the parent. This article will discuss why to wean your child, how it’s done, and tips for making this process easier on both you and your child!
What is a weaned child?
A Weaned Child is a child who no longer needs to be breastfed or fed through bottles but still requires their parent’s assistance.
Why should I wean my child?
When your kid is old enough to feed themselves, it’s time to try and stop breastfeeding/bottle feeding them. Weaning children prematurely (before the age of one) can help avoid nipple confusion when they are ready to start drinking from bottles! Suppose you don’t want to cut off liquid intake by the bottle completely. In that case, there are several options available, such as cup sippy lids. Weaning youngsters make the transition into solids foods simpler since they already know how to eat with utensils. A few high chairs also come with adjustable spouts for toddlers who need assistance in attempting to drink from cups.
Why should we do this?
Weaning children can be extremely difficult for both you and your child. Weaned Child are often picky eaters as adults because they can say no to food, so we must follow through with a consistent meal schedule from an earlier age. We tend to see more cases of obesity in those who were forced into this transition too early or those who weren’t given enough opportunities to drink out of sippy cups/straws at a young age.
Choosing a time: We suggest starting between 12 and 18 months old, a good rule of thumb. There will always be some exceptions, such as if something is wrong (illness) or mentally (if the child has an anxiety disorder).
Can parents do this on their own?
We suggest having your pediatrician’s office come to the home or have a good conversation with them about when is an appropriate age. We do not recommend trying this on your own!
Is this process easy to do?
It is a significant change for both the parents and child, but it can be done with some practice. We recommend starting by putting down only two bottles/cups per day to start with!
Do I have to do this?
Not! We realize that most families will continue giving their children milk after dinner until preschool or kindergarten. This offers an option if you want your child to drink less milk during the day.
How much does this cost?
We charge between $20 and $40 each time we come back (usually once a week). We also provide discounts for many children at the same time. So, reach out to us now, so you don’t miss out on our services.
It is recommended that you seek the help of a specialized professional to guide you through this process.
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