Weaning, like any other transitional period, can be tough on both babies and their moms. Whether you're weaning from breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a mixture of the two, going from one phase to the next isn't always a smooth process. Oftentimes, mothers have a timeframe in their minds of when weaning needs to be "done" and their baby has a very different (seemingly indefinite) timeframe. Of course, wondering how to get you and your baby on the same weaning page, so to speak, is a common question for moms everywhere.
Unfortunately, there isn't a "one size fits all" approach to weaning your baby that guarantees synchronized weaning timelines and perfect results. Every baby, every mother, and every schedule is different, so no two weaning stories will look exactly the same.
Unless you need to wean very quickly, a cold-turkey approach to weaning is almost always the worst way to go about it and will usually produce less than ideal results, according to the Office On Women's Health. Instead of quitting abruptly, the easiest way to get on the same page is simply to take it a day at a time. The Mayo Clinic suggested waiting until your baby starts to take the lead, be it an increased interest in solid food, or a disinterest in nursing. Even though it might not be your ideal timeline, being flexible with your own wishes is almost always easier than changing your baby's mind.
The same article noted that taking the weaning process slowly will ensure that you're both on board, even if it's as slow and gradual as dropping a single feeding for a week or two before dropping another.
For some families, weaning takes months, for others, it can happen very quickly, but in almost every situation, listening to your baby's lead is the easiest way to get it done.
If a relaxed, "baby-led" approach to weaning won't work for you, Baby Center noted that mother-led weaning can work, as long as it isn't forced too quickly. Simply start by skipping a feeding here and there, adding solids, or decreasing the length of your nursing sessions. If it goes well, continue to do so as you both feel comfortable.
Despite what relatives, friends, and well-wishers may say, there's no right way to wean your baby. If it feels like you just can't get on the same page about it, it may be a sign that you need to try a little bit later or need to switch up your technique.
