selffeeding

Weaning for Babies Aged 9-12 Months

Weaning is the progression from breastfeeding to giving formula or milk in a bottle or cup. When to wean depends on your lifestyle and your baby’s needs. You can breastfeed for as long as you and your baby are happy to do so. Sometimes your baby will make the decision for you as they get older by losing interest in the breast. Or you may find it necessary to wean to accommodate a change of circumstances.

Where possible, allow enough time to wean gradually over a period of a few weeks. This is more comfortable, and avoids the risk of mastitis

Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to wean. You can still breastfeed morning and evening and give formula or expressed breast milk during the day (express some at work, keep it refrigerated and use it the next day, or freeze it). Develop a plan that suits your needs in consultation with your Child and Family Health Nurse.

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How to wean

Where possible, allow enough time to wean gradually over a period of a few weeks. This is more comfortable, and avoids the risk of mastitis – a serious breast infection that can result from the build up of too much milk (see Mastitis).

If you are weaning a baby under 12 months, then they will need to be given an infant formula. Babies over 12 months can go straight to cow’s milk, providing they are having three meals a day and a well-balanced diet. Some babies will start weaning using a bottle – older babies may be capable enough to go straight to a training cup if desired.

Steps for weaning

Step 1: Start by eliminating one feed only, perhaps in the middle of the day, and substitute this with cow’s milk (if baby is over 12 months) or formula in a cup or bottle (if under 12 months).

Step 2: After eliminating a feed, it may take 2–7 days for your breasts to become softer and more comfortable.

Step 3: When your breasts have adjusted, eliminate a second breastfeed (but not a consecutive feed).

Step 4: Continue replacing one breastfeed every 2–7 days with a cup or bottle, until you have finished weaning. The last daily breastfeed could be the early morning feed (when you have the most milk) or the evening feed (if this helps you settle your baby at night).

Hungry babies become agitated and are often more difficult to feed. Try feeding a little earlier than usual.

Weaning tips 

  • If breasts are very full and uncomfortable, expressing a little milk will provide some relief.
  • If your breasts are painful and bothering you, apply cold packs to breasts for 5–10 mins.
  • Wear a firm bra for extra support.
  • Extra cuddles (but not when your baby is hungry) help you and your baby break the ties of breastfeeding.
  • Hungry babies become agitated and are often more difficult to feed. Try feeding a little earlier than usual.
  • Your baby has come to expect to be breastfed when held in your arms, so for the first few times you give the bottle try a new position (e.g. a baby rocker) that enables you to maintain eye contact.
Senior woman getting out of bed holding lower back in pain
  • If your baby refuses the bottle from you, ask someone your baby is familiar with to give the feed.
  • If your baby is used to feeding to sleep, or a quick feed to resettle in the middle of the night, develop a bedtime routine and settling technique such as patting, singing or talking softly that comforts them in other ways. Gradually decrease the time at the breast, placing the emphasis on the settling.

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