Weaning Off Breastfeeding
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to weaning off breastfeeding, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Weaning is a personal decision with no single "right" time. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year and the WHO recommends continuing up to two years or beyond, but ultimately, the best time to wean is when it feels right for you and your baby. Gradual weaning over several weeks is gentlest on both your body and your baby's emotions. Whatever your reason for weaning, you have already given your baby an incredible gift.
Key takeaways
- Weaning is a personal decision with no single "right" time. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year and the WHO recommends continuing up to two years or beyond, but ultimately, the best time to wean is when it feels right for you and your baby. Gradual weaning over several weeks is gentlest on both your body and your baby's emotions. Whatever your reason for weaning, you have already given your baby an incredible gift.
- Usually normal when: You and your baby gradually reduce nursing sessions over several weeks with some tearful moments but overall acceptance
- Call your doctor if: You develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, WHO guidelines, weaning is a personal decision with no single "right" time. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year and the WHO recommends continuing up to two years or beyond, but ultimately, the best time to wean is when it feels right for you and your baby. Gradual weaning over several weeks is gentlest on both your body and your baby's emotions. Whatever your reason for weaning, you have already given your baby an incredible gift. At 0-6 months, if you need or choose to wean before six months, your baby will transition to infant formula. Gradual weaning is important at this stage to prevent engorgement and reduce the risk of mastitis. Drop one nursing session every few days, replacing it with a bottle of formula. Start by dropping the feed your baby seems least interested in, usually a midday feed. Express just enough milk for comfort if you become engorged, as full pumping sessions will maintain supply. It is generally considered normal when you and your baby gradually reduce nursing sessions over several weeks with some tearful moments but overall acceptance. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
If you need or choose to wean before six months, your baby will transition to infant formula. Gradual weaning is important at this stage to prevent engorgement and reduce the risk of mastitis. Drop one nursing session every few days, replacing it with a bottle of formula. Start by dropping the feed your baby seems least interested in, usually a midday feed. Express just enough milk for comfort if you become engorged, as full pumping sessions will maintain supply.
6-9 months
At this age, your baby is starting solids, which naturally begins to replace some breast milk. You can gradually replace breastfeeding sessions with formula bottles and solid food meals. Morning and bedtime nursing sessions are often the last to go because of the strong comfort association. There is no rush to drop these if they work for both of you.
9-12 months
Many families begin weaning around this age as they approach the transition to cow's milk at 12 months. Replace breastfeeding sessions one at a time with a cup of formula or, after 12 months, whole milk. Offer extra cuddles, reading time, and comfort during the transition, as nursing may have been a significant source of emotional comfort for your baby.
1-2 years
Weaning a toddler can be more emotionally complex because they are old enough to ask for and expect nursing. Strategies include not offering but not refusing, shortening nursing sessions, changing routines associated with nursing, and offering substitutes like a special snack or cup of milk. Many toddlers wean gradually when gently guided. It is okay if this process takes weeks or months.
2-3 years
Extended breastfeeding is normal and healthy, and weaning an older toddler is a valid choice whenever you are ready. You can talk to your child about the process, set gentle limits like only nursing at bedtime, and use distraction and redirection. Many children this age can understand simple explanations like "the milk is all done now" and adjust with a bit of extra comfort and attention.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed weaning off breastfeeding and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you develop a painful, hard lump in your breast during weaning that does not resolve with gentle massage and warmth.
- Mention if you are feeling significant guilt, sadness, or anxiety about weaning and would benefit from emotional support.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You and your baby gradually reduce nursing sessions over several weeks with some tearful moments but overall acceptance
- You experience some breast fullness or mild discomfort as you drop feeds, which resolves within a few days
- Your baby temporarily increases other comfort-seeking behaviors like thumb-sucking or wanting to be held more
- You feel emotional about the end of breastfeeding, which is completely natural
- Your milk supply gradually decreases and you may still express small amounts of milk for weeks or months after weaning
- You develop a painful, hard lump in your breast during weaning that does not resolve with gentle massage and warmth
- You are feeling significant guilt, sadness, or anxiety about weaning and would benefit from emotional support
- Your baby is under 12 months and refusing both formula and breast, and you are unsure how to ensure adequate nutrition
- You develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast
- Your baby is not accepting any alternative food or milk source and is showing signs of dehydration or weight loss
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice weaning off breastfeeding — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that you and your baby gradually reduce nursing sessions over several weeks with some tearful moments but overall acceptance — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is weaning off breastfeeding normal?
When should I call the doctor about weaning off breastfeeding?
When is weaning off breastfeeding normal?
What causes weaning off breastfeeding?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about weaning off breastfeeding?
Is weaning off breastfeeding normal at 0-6 months?
Is weaning off breastfeeding normal at 6-9 months?
Should I go to the ER for weaning off breastfeeding?
Does weaning off breastfeeding go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Weaning Off Breastfeeding.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed weaning off breastfeeding and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you develop a painful, hard lump in your breast during weaning that does not resolve with gentle massage and warmth.
- Mention if you are feeling significant guilt, sadness, or anxiety about weaning and would benefit from emotional support.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You develop a painful, hard lump in your breast during weaning that does not resolve with gentle massage and warmth
- You are feeling significant guilt, sadness, or anxiety about weaning and would benefit from emotional support
- Your baby is under 12 months and refusing both formula and breast, and you are unsure how to ensure adequate nutrition
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast
- Your baby is not accepting any alternative food or milk source and is showing signs of dehydration or weight loss
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of weaning off breastfeeding are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you develop mastitis symptoms during weaning, including fever, chills, and a red, painful area on your breast.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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