How do I get my 20 month old to stop breastfeeding?

Understanding the Weaning Process
Weaning a 20-month-old from breastfeeding can be a significant transition for both mother and child. At this age, toddlers are often more aware of their surroundings and may have developed a strong attachment to breastfeeding as a source of comfort and nutrition. The process of stopping breastfeeding should be approached with care, patience, and understanding.
Timing and Readiness
Before embarking on the weaning journey, it’s essential to assess whether both you and your child are ready to make this change. The decision to stop breastfeeding is deeply personal and can depend on various factors, including your child’s developmental stage, emotional readiness, and your own comfort level. Experts suggest allowing yourself a full month to navigate this process, as it provides ample time to address any challenges that may arise.
Gradual Reduction
A gradual approach is often the most effective way to wean a toddler. Instead of abruptly stopping breastfeeding, consider reducing the frequency of nursing sessions over time. Start by eliminating one feeding at a time, particularly those that occur during the day when distractions are more readily available. This method allows your child to adjust slowly and can help minimize feelings of loss or distress.
Creating New Routines
As you begin to wean, it can be helpful to establish new routines that replace breastfeeding sessions. Engage your toddler in activities that capture their interest, such as playing with toys, reading books, or going for walks. This not only distracts them from the desire to nurse but also reinforces the bond you share through other forms of interaction.
Limiting Nursing Locations
Another effective strategy is to limit where breastfeeding occurs. Start by confining nursing sessions to specific locations, such as the bedroom or a quiet corner of the house. Gradually, you can reduce these designated areas, making it less convenient for your child to nurse. This approach can help them understand that breastfeeding is not always available, which may ease the transition.
Offering Alternatives
During the weaning process, it’s crucial to provide comfort and reassurance to your toddler. Offer alternatives such as a favorite toy, a blanket, or even a cup of milk or water. This can help satisfy their need for comfort and connection without relying on breastfeeding.
Emotional Support
Weaning can be an emotional experience for both you and your child. Be prepared for potential resistance or emotional outbursts as your toddler adjusts to the change. It’s important to remain patient and supportive, acknowledging their feelings while gently guiding them through the process.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the journey to stop breastfeeding is unique for every mother and child. By approaching the process with empathy, patience, and a gradual strategy, you can help your toddler transition away from breastfeeding in a way that feels comfortable for both of you. Remember, this is a significant change, and allowing time for adjustment is key to a successful weaning experience.

Can I stop breastfeeding at 20 months?

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.

How often should a 20 month old breastfeed?

Your toddler is likely nursing a few times per day, although some continue to nurse around the clock. We support continued on-demand breastfeeding as long as it works for the baby and the parent. At this age, solid foods are becoming the primary source of nutrition, and the solid food meal should be prioritized.

How to stop breastfeeding for a 2 year old naturally?

Dropping or limiting feeds
Consider dropping daytime breastfeeds first, then gradually drop any bedtime or night-time feeds. These are probably the ones that give your child the most comfort. Introduce a few limits, like not breastfeeding when you’re out or feeding only after lunch during the day.

How to stop a 20 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.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

How long does it take for a toddler to forget about breastfeeding?

Take it slow.
Some moms commit to weaning right away, with their toddlers fully weaned within a few weeks or a month or so.

How do I tell my toddler no to breastfeed?

It is okay to “reject her”. Just say, “I don’t have milk”. Offer her some other foods that her mother approves of or a sippy cup if she takes cups now and then or offer her an interesting toy. Communicate that you can play with her, but say “no nurse” or whatever word she used for nursing.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

5 Side Effects of Breastfeeding

• Back Pain: Think about it—you’re hunched over your baby, in an awkward position.
• Bruising: Yep, your little tike can cause some big bruises on your breasts.
• Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a problem for pregnant women, but it can also be a problem post-birth.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Why does my 20 month old want to breastfeed constantly?

But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc.