At a glance
When to wean
When to wean from breastfeeding is a personal decision and will be different for everyone. Children may be ready to wean, or stop breastfeeding, at different ages. Some children will gradually start to show more interest in eating solid foods and less interest in breastfeeding. Others may want to stop breastfeeding more suddenly. You may be ready to wean at different times, too.
Children younger than 12 months old
If you and your child under 12 months old have decided to wean, give your child infant formula in place of breast milk.
Children 12 months or older
If you and your child over 12 months old have decided to wean, give your child plain, pasteurized whole cow's milk in place of breast milk. You may also give your child fortified unsweetened soy beverage. Children this age do not need infant formula—or toddler milks, drinks, or formula. Learn more about cow's milk and milk alternatives.
How to wean
Wean over several weeks or more to make the process easier for you and your child. As you slowly stop breastfeeding, your body will start producing less breast milk. Eventually, your body will no longer make breast milk.
Weaning gradually can help your child:
- Get used to the new taste of infant formula or plain whole cow's milk or fortified unsweetened soy beverage, depending upon age.
- Adjust to drinking from a bottle or cup.
Start weaning by replacing one breast milk feeding a day. Continue to replace more breast milk feedings over time. Replace breast milk with a bottle of infant formula (for your child younger than 12 months old). Replace breast milk with a cup of cow’s milk or soy beverage (for your child 12 months or older).