Can I stop breastfeeding at 18 months?

Can I Stop Breastfeeding at 18 Months?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey for both mothers and their children, and the decision to stop can be influenced by a variety of factors, including health, lifestyle, and personal preference. If you’re considering stopping breastfeeding at 18 months, it’s important to understand the implications and recommendations surrounding this choice.
Understanding the Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that breastfeeding should continue for at least the first year of life, with the introduction of solid foods around six months. After the first year, breastfeeding can continue as long as both mother and child desire it. This aligns with the views of many health organizations, which emphasize that breastfeeding can provide nutritional and emotional benefits well into toddlerhood.
Nutritional Considerations
By 18 months, most children are eating a variety of solid foods and can obtain the necessary nutrients from their diet. Breast milk remains a valuable source of nutrition, but it is no longer the sole source. According to the NHS, after a child turns one, there is no need to replace breastfeeds with formula, as toddlers can get their nutrition from a balanced diet. This means that if you choose to stop breastfeeding at this age, your child should be able to transition smoothly to other foods and drinks.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also provides emotional comfort and bonding between mother and child. Many mothers report that they and their toddlers have developed a unique rhythm and relationship around breastfeeding, which can make the decision to stop more complex. If both you and your child are happy with the current breastfeeding arrangement, it may be beneficial to continue until you both feel ready to wean.
The Weaning Process
If you decide to stop breastfeeding at 18 months, it’s advisable to approach the weaning process gradually. This can help minimize any emotional distress for both you and your child. The NHS provides guidance on how to wean effectively, suggesting that you can start by replacing one breastfeeding session with a cup of milk or a snack, gradually reducing the number of breastfeeding sessionsCan I Stop Breastfeeding at 18 Months?
Yes, you can stop breastfeeding your child at 18 months if you and your child are both ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.
However, the decision to stop breastfeeding is a personal one that depends on the needs and preferences of both you and your child. Many mothers continue breastfeeding well past 18 months, with around 36% of babies still breastfeeding at 12 months and 15% at 18 months.
Transitioning Away from Breastfeeding
When you’re ready to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to do so gradually to allow your body to adjust and to make the transition easier for your child. Some tips include:
Reducing Feedings Slowly: Start by dropping one feeding per day, every few days, until you’re down to just a few feedings per day. This gradual approach can help prevent engorgement and discomfort.
Replacing Feedings with Solid Foods: As you reduce breastfeeding, replace those feedings with nutritious solid foods and drinks like whole milk, water, or juice. This ensures your child continues to get the nutrients they need.
Offering Comfort in Other Ways: Find other ways to soothe and comfort your child, such as cuddling, reading, or playing together. This can help ease the transition away from breastfeeding.
The most important thing is to follow your child’s cues and do what feels right for both of you. As long as you and your child are happy with the breastfeeding relationship, there’s no need to stop before you’re both ready.

Is 18 months a good time to stop breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers feed their babies only breast milk for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least one year. After that, it really depends on how long the mother and child want to continue.

What happens to your body when you stop breastfeeding a toddler?

It’s quite common to feel a bit down after your last feed, even if you were looking forward to weaning. Your hormones might take some time to return to normal. Some women begin ovulating as soon as they reduce night feeds or begin to wean. For others, ovulation and periods take several months to return.

How often should an 18 month old nurse?

Most toddlers are picky eaters and tend to graze rather than eat large meals. Continuing to nurse can give you confidence that your toddler is getting well-balanced nutrition. As long as you nurse 2-3 times a day, you don’t need to supplement your toddler with cow’s milk or toddler formula.

Is it normal for an 18 month old to still breastfeed?

Breastfeeding beyond babyhood is normal
You may worry that if you don’t initiate an end to breastfeeding, your child will ‘nurse forever’. But children outgrow breastfeeding on their own, just as they outgrow other toddler behaviours.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Is it normal for toddlers to still breastfeed at 18 months?

There is no expected age to stop breastfeeding, and it varies from person to person. According to the CDC , data from 2018 shows about 35% of babies in the U.S were still breastfeeding at 12 months. This dropped to 14.8% at 18 months of age.

What is the healthiest age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

Is 18 months too early to wean?

After 18 months of age, some children protest with crying. The AAP recommends mothers breastfeed until 12 months. After 12 months, they recommend continued nursing “as long as you and your baby desire it”. The AAP does not recommend an upper age limit for weaning from breastfeeding.

How do I stop my 18 month old from breastfeeding?

How to Stop Breastfeeding — at 1 year old, 14, 15, and even 18 months?

• Take away one feeding at a time
• Eliminate the easiest feedings first
• Offer a meal instead of nursing.
• Give a cup at each meal, and place either breast milk or cow’s milk in the cup.

Is 18 months of breastfeeding enough?

The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, meaning a baby has only breast milk – no other liquids or foods. The group supports breastfeeding for 2 years or more if you and your child want, and recommends giving baby foods starting at about 6 months.