Weaning can be one of the most significant (and emotional) milestones in your parenting journey. Whether it\u2019s your first time navigating this stage or not, choosing when and how to wean is deeply personal. There\u2019s no single \u201cright\u201d way to do it, but understanding the process and having guidance along the way can help ensure your child\u2019s nutritional needs are met – and that your own wellbeing is supported too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weaning is the process of transitioning a baby from milk feeds (breastmilk or formula) to other foods and fluids. When your little one officially stops milk feeds, they are considered fully weaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weaning process typically begins around six months of age, when solids are first introduced. Initially, solids are small and supplement milk feeds, rather than replace them. As your baby becomes more comfortable and skilled with eating, portion sizes will gradually increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breastmilk or infant formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until around 12 months of age. After this point, solids should begin to take priority, with milk feeds gradually phased out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, and the benefits of breastfeeding for both parent and baby continue beyond 12 months. However, we understand that this isn\u2019t always practical or sustainable for every family. We wholeheartedly support extended breastfeeding if it works for you<\/em>, but we also strongly support maternal mental and physical health. The best choice is the one that works for your<\/em> family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deciding when to fully wean is a very personal decision and may be influenced by a range of factors such as a return to work, your baby\u2019s readiness, or your own health and emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your baby has weaned from breastmilk or infant formula, their nutrition should come from a well-balanced, whole-food diet. While cow\u2019s milk can be offered in foods like smoothies, porridge or pancakes, or as a drink in a cup, it does not need to \u201creplace\u201d milk feeds. If you choose to offer your toddler cow\u2019s milk as a drink, it is important to be mindful of how much milk they are having to drink as excessive consumption can be linked with iron deficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As for toddler milks or formulas, they are not necessary. These ultra-processed products are heavily marketed, but not recommended by most major health authorities, including the WHO. They are not nutritionally required and can be misleading for parents. If you\u2019re concerned about your toddler\u2019s diet or eating habits, support from a trusted health professional can make all the difference. You\u2019re welcome to book an appointment with our clinic here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many little ones, feeding isn\u2019t just about nutrition – it\u2019s also a source of comfort. Transitioning away from milk feeds may be emotional for both of you. There are many ways to maintain that closeness and provide reassurance during this time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weaning can be a deeply emotional experience. It\u2019s okay to feel sadness, uncertainty, or even grief as this chapter closes. Honouring your feelings and your baby\u2019s emotions is a meaningful part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weaning isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all \u2013 because babies aren\u2019t robots, and neither are mums, thats why we created our WEANING MASTERCLASS.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re weaning gradually, night weaning, or preparing to stop breastfeeding entirely, this resource is here to guide you through it \u2013 with simple, practical strategies you can adapt to your child and your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Amy Chatburn-Stevens<\/strong>, we walk you through a wide range of approaches \u2013 because no two weaning journeys look the same (and they shouldn\u2019t!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside, you\u2019ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Gentle strategies for different stages of weaning If you\u2019re wondering when or how to start, or feeling unsure about what comes next \u2013 this is for you.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our weaning stories<\/a> If you\u2019d like further support with weaning \u2013 whether for your baby or yourself \u2013 we\u2019re here to help. Check out our Weaning Masterclass<\/a> or book an appointment with our clinic here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weaning can affect your body and hormones in ways that might catch you off guard, especially if the process is sudden. You may experience symptoms similar to PMS or the \u201cbaby blues\u201d as your body adjusts to changes in hormone levels and oxytocin production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of weaning can include mood swings, fatigue or low motivation, skin breakouts, irritability, weepiness and anxiety. In some cases, the return of your menstrual cycle may also occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your baby is still happily breastfeeding after 12 months and you are also happy, then continue this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding until at least 2 years of age. This is because no matter the age, breastfeeding is always beneficial. Not only is breastmilk an extremely nutrient dense food \u2013 high in omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, protein and carbohydrates \u2013 it is also alive! This means the nutritional and immunological components of breast milk change every day according to the specific needs of your child! Breast milk is full of beneficial microbes and prebiotics (much like a personalised fermented food!) to keep your child\u2019s digestive system functioning optimally. And did you know if your child is sick your breast milk will provide the antibodies needed to help fight that illness?! And breastfed children appear to have less incidence of illness due to these amazing immunological components of breastmilk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This post isn\u2019t intended to put blame or guilt on anyone who chooses to wean prior to 2 years \u2013 as discussed, there are so many reasons why you may choose to do this, need to do this, or why your child may do this for you. Our aim is to empower those who choose to continue feeding, and to provide information to those at all stages of their weaning journey. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, only 21% of Australian women are still breastfeeding after 12 months, so obviously more education and information is necessary to normalise and support this very natural process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" How to wean your baby from breastmilk to a balanced diet<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":79711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"bwfblock_default_font":"","_searchwp_excluded":"","inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53,3468],"tags":[],"age-group":[],"membership-status":[],"class_list":["post-62149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-blog-post","category-toddlers"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nReplacing breastmilk\/infant formula with cow\u2019s milk or toddler milk \u2013 is it necessary after 12 months?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The short answer is no.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Comforting your child through weaning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ways we can help:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2714\ufe0f Ideas to support both your little one\u2019s needs and your own
\u2714\ufe0f Ways to manage the emotional side of weaning \u2013 for you and your baby
\u2714\ufe0f Real stories from other mums (so you know you\u2019re not alone)<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeaning Podcasts:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Weaning after 12 months \u2013 how do we do it?<\/a>
Does my child need formula after 12 months?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNutritionally supporting yourself during weaning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To support yourself during this time:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What if you don\u2019t want to wean? Even though you can wean at 12 months, should you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A final note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n