How do you start weaning your toddler?
My little one is 11 months. He eats all kinds of solids but still drinks 30 oz of formula a day. How do we get him ready for weaning? He won't go down for a nap or bed without a bottle and wakes in the night for at least one feeding every night. When should we start weaning and how do we start?
Answers ( 1 )
Congratulations on stepping through the transition from babyhood to toddler chaos! The most important thing to remember here is that just like adults are unique, so is each child. Many children need baby formula or breast milk well past one year of age. With that in mind, I encourage you to take a look at the habit around your toddler's bottle use. Are their bottles at regular times during the day? With you mentioning that some bottles occur directly before nap and once during the night - it is quite likely that the bottle formula is a mix of both need and comfort.
With my own children, I found it easiest to first eliminate daytime bottles that were not closely linked to sleep routines. I first halved the amount of formula in a bottle I was about to wean, then I gave even less the next day, and finally, on the third day, I did not offer that particular bottle at all. If the toddler seemed cranky or upset during these normal feeding times I would offer a small solid snack, a small amount of milk/water from a sippy cup, and a distracting toy or activity. I would then keep my routine minus this one bottle for several days before weaning off the next one.
The nap time and nighttime bottles can be treated much the same way but do understand there may be more tears involved as these bottles are for nutrition as well as comfort. Providing the child with other comforts during this time is often helpful. If the child seems to strongly resist weaning then it is certainly okay to wait a few weeks and then try again while gradually preparing bottles that contain less and less formula.
Good luck and know that you are already a great parent just for taking the time to ask questions and learn!