What is the worlds average age to stop breastfeeding?

The Global Landscape of Breastfeeding Duration
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey for mothers and their infants, influenced by cultural norms, health recommendations, and individual circumstances. The question of when to stop breastfeeding is complex, with varying guidelines and practices observed around the world.
Recommendations from Health Organizations
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provide clear guidelines on breastfeeding duration. They recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Following this period, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of solid foods, ideally until the child is at least two years old or beyond. This recommendation underscores the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
Average Weaning Age Worldwide
Despite these recommendations, the average age at which children are weaned varies significantly across different regions. Globally, the average age for weaning is approximately four years. This figure reflects a range of cultural practices where extended breastfeeding is more common, particularly in certain African and Asian countries. In contrast, many mothers in Western countries, such as the United States, often stop breastfeeding much earlier, with a significant number ceasing by the time their baby is six months old.
Cultural Influences on Breastfeeding Practices
Cultural attitudes towards breastfeeding play a crucial role in determining how long mothers choose to breastfeed. In some cultures, extended breastfeeding is the norm, viewed as a natural part of child-rearing. In others, societal pressures and the return to work can lead to earlier weaning. For instance, while 91% of mothers in Canada initiate breastfeeding, about 40-50% stop by the six-month mark. This disparity highlights the impact of societal support systems and workplace policies on breastfeeding duration.
The Personal Decision to Wean
Ultimately, the decision to stop breastfeeding is highly personal and can be influenced by various factors, including the mother’s comfort, the child’s readiness, and health considerations. Some mothers may choose to wean gradually, while others may experience a sudden end to breastfeeding as their child grows and develops new preferences.
In conclusion, while health organizations advocate for breastfeeding until at least two years of age, the average age at which children are weaned varies widely, reflecting a tapestry of cultural practices and personal choices. The journey of breastfeeding is as unique as each mother and child, shaped by individual circumstances and societal influences.

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.”

What is the average length of breastfeeding in the world?

Globally—excluding the United States, Western Europe, and Australia—43 percent of infants at 6 months are exclusively breastfed; 74 percent of infants are breastfed at 12 months; and 46 percent are breastfed at 2 years8.

What age do babies naturally stop breastfeeding?

Children wean themselves when they are ready. Natural term weaning age is between 4–7 years old. The WHO recommends a minimum time of 24 months breastfeeding .

What age do most countries stop breastfeeding?

between two and four years
Across 100+ human cultures, breastfeeding typically ends between two and four years of age. Breastfeeding practices reflect a mix of cultural traditions and modernization.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘yb1nZ-GHCuW9wPAPp8eh4QE__31′,’

At what age do the benefits of breastfeeding stop?

The World Health Organization agrees that breastfeeding should continue “up to two years of age or beyond“. 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.

What is the oldest age to breastfeed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.

How long does the average woman breastfeed?

Among those who breastfed, average duration was 6.9 months; when stratified by race, breastfeeding duration was longest among White mothers at 7.3 months, followed by mothers of other races at 6.3 months, while Black mothers had shortest average duration, with 5.1 months.

At what age do Japanese stop breastfeeding?

The mothers in all three countries actually stopped breastfeeding much earlier (6.15, 4.58, and 7.46 months in average for Japanese, French, and American samples, respectively) than their reported ideal time (11.71, 7.27, and 11.42 months).

What is the average age people stop breastfeeding?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

When do people normally 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.