Why is my 17 month old nursing so much?

Understanding Increased Nursing in 17-Month-Olds
As parents navigate the intricate world of toddlerhood, many find themselves puzzled by their child’s nursing habits. If your 17-month-old is nursing more frequently, you are not alone. Many parents experience similar concerns and questions at this stage.
Developmental Milestones
At 17 months, toddlers are undergoing significant developmental changes. This period is characterized by bursts of growth, both physically and cognitively. During these growth spurts, children often seek additional comfort and nourishment, which can manifest as increased nursing.
Key Factors Influencing Increased Nursing:
1. Growth Spurts:
– It’s common for toddlers to experience growth spurts at various times. During these phases, they may instinctively seek out more milk to support their rapid development.
2. Emotional Comfort:
– Nursing is not solely about nutrition at this age; it also provides emotional comfort. As toddlers explore their independence, they may return to breastfeeding as a source of reassurance and security.
3. Teething:
– The teething process can be uncomfortable and even painful. Increased nursing may serve as a soothing mechanism for toddlers dealing with sore gums.
4. Changes in Routine:
– Any significant changes in a toddler’s environment—such as starting daycare, moving to a new home, or the arrival of a sibling—can lead to increased nursing as they seek stability and comfort.
5. Illness:
– If your child is experiencing a mild illness or cold, they may nurse more frequently as a way to comfort themselves and receive the antibodies found in breast milk.
What Parents Can Do
If the increased nursing is causing concern, here are a few strategies that may help:
– Monitor Growth and Development:
– Keep an eye on your child’s growth patterns. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can ensure that your child is growing healthily.
– Establish a Routine:
– While toddlers thrive on flexibility, establishing a consistent routine can help manage nursing frequency. This may involve setting specific times for nursing sessions.
– Offer Alternatives:
– Introduce other forms of comfort, such as cuddling, reading together, or engaging in play, to help your child feel secure without always turning to nursing.
– Stay Patient and Attuned:
– Each child is unique. Being patient and attentive to your child’s needs will help you navigate this phase with more ease.
Conclusion
Increased nursing at 17 months is a common phenomenon influenced by various factors, including growth spurts, emotional needs, and developmental milestones. By understanding these dynamics, parents can approach this stage with greater confidence and compassion. As with all parenting challenges, patience and open communication with your child are key to navigating this journey successfully.

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.

Are breastfed babies more clingy?

Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain.

How often should a 17 month old nurse?

Toddlers could be nursing anywhere from one to many times per day. We support continued on-demand breastfeeding as long as it works for the baby and the parent. At this age, solid food is the primary source of nutrition, and it’s important to make sure the child is hungry for at least three meals of table food per day.

Why does my 18 month old want to breastfeed all night?

Toddlers who nurse frequently are typically doing so out of comfort, rather than necessity. While it is important to understand the root cause of your little one’s desire for comfort nursing, there are different ways to begin night weaning that may help you – and your toddler!

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.

Are breastfed toddlers more attached to their mothers?

Even though increased breastfeeding duration led to greater maternal sensitivity over time, the effect sizes were small, according to the article. That means the close interaction experienced during breastfeeding may be only one of many ways the bond is strengthened between mother and child, according to Weaver.

Why is my 18 month old obsessed with breastfeeding?

5 reasons your baby or toddler might be breastfeeding more frequently

• 1. They’re going through a grow spurt! Just as you’d expect a 6 year old to eat more when growing lots, so does a baby or toddler.
• 2. They’re fighting off a bug!
• 3. They’re going through a developmental leap!
• 4. They’re thirsty!
• 5. They’re teething!

Why does my 17 month old want to nurse all the time?

Teething, separation anxiety, and developmental milestones are all possible causes of this behavior. Breastfeeding gives emotional support and soothes them during these adjustments. It’s also a familiar pattern, and they may nurse more when babies are sick or experiencing a growth spurt.

Why is my 18 month old suddenly breastfeeding more?

Often, a busy 12 month old who is learning to walk may be barely nursing at all while an 18 month old who has started preschool may be nursing as much as a newborn. Generally, toddlers will increase their nursing frequency during periods of stress or transition.

Is my toddler nursing too much?

Some toddlers still want to nurse “all the time.” If that works for you, that’s great (all children do eventually taper off on their own!). But if you need some space between feedings, that’s OK too. Some parents only nurse at nap time and nighttime. Others only do so at other set times each day.