5 Gentle Steps to Wean Your Baby Off Breastfeeding

It’s been a week since we gently weaned our 22-month-old baby from breastfeeding—and what a beautiful journey it has been. I never thought we’d get this far, especially since I wasn’t able to exclusively breastfeed him until six months. My original plan was to let him self-wean naturally, but due to health reasons, I had to stop earlier than expected.

To my surprise, he responded positively, despite being very clingy. I honestly thought it would be a struggle, but I underestimated his ability to understand. One trick that worked was telling him that my breast was “dirty”—and it helped him stop asking for it.

I want to share our experience to encourage other moms looking for a gentle way to wean their toddlers from breastfeeding. I’m grateful we didn’t have to use old-fashioned tactics like putting spicy or sour food on the nipple. Instead, we took a loving and respectful approach—and it worked.

1. Communicate with Your Toddler

Start by preparing your child emotionally. Two days before I began medication, we talked to our baby and gently explained that my breast was “dirty” and he couldn’t nurse anymore. We repeated it calmly several times, and by the second day, he accepted it.

2. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key. The hardest part was seeing him cry in the middle of the night, reaching out to nurse. I had to stay firm and instead comfort him in other ways—rocking him, humming, or cuddling him until he fell back asleep.

3. Be Patient with Sleep Transitions

Bedtime became more challenging since he was used to nursing to sleep. Now, he’s slowly learning to fall asleep on his own. Sometimes, I’d make sure he was tired enough to drift off without needing to breastfeed.

4. Offer Alternative Comforts

Instead of nursing, offer other forms of comfort—extra hugs, quiet time, or a soft toy. This helps your baby feel secure while adjusting to the change.

5. Trust Your Unique Journey

Every mother and baby pair is different. Some toddlers may wean quickly, while others may need more time. Be open to trying different approaches and do what feels right for you.

Final Thoughts

Weaning brought a sense of freedom, but it was also a bittersweet milestone. Breastfeeding gave us a bond I’ll treasure forever. It was the most selfless and fulfilling decision I’ve made as a mom.

If you’re starting your own gentle weaning journey, know that it’s okay to take it one day at a time—with love, patience, and grace.