When Should I Wean My Baby?

Is your baby 6 months old?

Can your baby sit without support?

Can your baby keep his head upright and steady?

Is your baby hungry earlier than usual?

Does your baby know how to hold food in its mouth?

Does your baby show interest in food while others eat?

Does your baby open his mouth when its sees that food is coming?

Can your baby tell you he doesn't want food (leaning back or turning his head)?

Based on your answers, here are some tips on when to wean your baby. Weaning is a process in which you gradually introduce other foods to your baby as you continue to breastfeed. At about 6 months, your baby is usually ready for other foods. At that time, your baby should sit without support and keep its head upright and steady, which indicates that its swallowing muscles are strong. You may notice that your baby knows how to hold food in its mouth and does not push it out immediately with its tongue. Your baby looks hungry earlier than usual and shows interest in food while others eat.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about when to wean your baby. Weaning can be natural (child-led) or planned (mother-led). Natural weaning occurs when a baby begins to accept different types of food. You may notice that your baby opens its mouth when it sees food coming. Also, your baby will know to show you that it does not want food by leaning back or turning its head. All you have to do is follow your baby’s cues and breastfeed on demand. Planned weaning happens when mothers decide to start this process because, for example they have to go back to work.