From breast to bottle: The Sister Lilian Centre Weaning Guide

If all else fails one can go cold turkey to wean a baby, but why not first try this schedule which takes both baby’s and mom’s emotions into account? You can use this at any age, but it is primarily designed for babies between 3 and 6 months old. Simply adapt amounts for older or younger babies:

Day 1
Cease one breastfeed before your baby is quite ready to, but after the worst hunger is satiated. Get someone else to offer 50ml, half-strength formula after a break of about 15 minutes.

Day 2
Repeat Day 1.

Day 3
Cease one breastfeed just after the worst hunger has passed, but sooner than on the first two days. Someone else should now offer 50ml, two-thirds strength formula after a ten-minute break.

Day 4
As for Day 3, but once in the morning and once again in the afternoon.

Day 5
As for Day 4.

Day 6
Cease two feeds, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, soon after your baby has settled down to a regular feeding rhythm at the breast. Someone else should now offer 75ml, three-quarter strength formula.

Day 7
As for Day 6, but do this for three feeds during the course of the day.

Day 8
Replace one whole feed with full-strength formula. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon are good times. Make up the amount according to the instructions on the container, remembering that your baby might prefer slightly less or slightly more in volume.

Day 9
By now you might be able to offer the feeds yourself! Replace two feeds with formula. Top up three feeds with 75ml formula after offering the breast until the worst hunger has passed.

Day 10
Replace two feeds and top up four feeds.

Day 11
Replace three feeds and top up every other feed, according to the method you have now mastered.

Day 12
Replace four feeds and top up every other feed.

Day 13
Replace five feeds and top up all others.

Day 14
Replace all feeds with formula.
Of course, if you want to keep breastfeeding partially, you can do so at night and for the early morning- and going-to-sleep feeds. You should then only go as far as Day 12 of the weaning programme.

By Sister Lilian

From breast to bottle: Weaning toddlers from night feeds


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