| Exclusive breastfeeding (no help from formula or other | | | | A 1 to 3 month old baby may need around 5 to 6 |
| supplements) is recommended at least for the first 6 | | | | feedings per day. As the months progress, less |
| months of baby's life. But if it is a necessity for you to | | | | feedings are required. This is because solid foods are |
| stop (for whatever reason - work issues, health, etc.), | | | | usually at around the 6th month. If you will be using |
| then you need to psych yourself that you'll have to do | | | | formula for the first time, be on the lookout for baby's |
| weaning. Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding activity | | | | physical changes - bowel problems, rashes, or |
| for mother and child. To wean from breastfeeding; for | | | | sometimes baby just doesn't like to formula. Always |
| it to end so soon would seem such a waste, especially | | | | use iron-fortified formula until ate least 1 year of age. |
| since you've already gotten used to it. | | | | This is to lessen the risk of him having anemia. If you |
| Weaning is not just about solids. This also includes the | | | | are using bottled breast milk, be sure to store and |
| transition from breast to bottle. If you're doing the latter, | | | | warm the milk properly. (Milk warmers can be easily |
| try to wait until the baby reaches 4 weeks. This is so | | | | bought at baby stores.) |
| you will have an ample milk supply for expressing | | | | Eliminate a feeding at a time. This is not just for bottle |
| breast milk in bottles. It is advised though that a | | | | feeding, but also for solid-weaning. When he is used to |
| 9-month old baby to be weaned to bottle feeding for | | | | the bottle, try to give him a cup from time to time. This |
| the first time be given a cup instead. If a toddler, the | | | | will help him be familiar with the shape. Eventually, he |
| bottle can be completely skipped. Most tots take to | | | | will know what he needs to do with it, especially if he |
| the sippy cup immediately as it piques their curiosity. | | | | sees members of a family drinking from glasses. |
| Give him time to adjust. If he has tantrums when you | | | | There will come a time when baby will mimic what he |
| try to wean, then wait for about a week before you | | | | sees; having a sippy cup standing by will be perfect for |
| try again. The baby could feel emotional changes at | | | | that opportunity. |
| around this phase. He may feel a bit insecure and | | | | Remember that weaning is a two-way decision. It |
| upset due to the loss of breastfeeding. Make sure that | | | | should not just be yours, but baby's too. If baby |
| you cuddle your baby and keep him close to you as | | | | refuses to wean, give him some time. Babies usually |
| often as possible. This is so he would feel comforted | | | | self-wean. Re-introduce the bottle. For as long as he |
| and secure, knowing that even if there were some | | | | gets to be beside you as often as possible, he'll |
| feeding changes, you (as his mother) will always be | | | | eventually get the message and take to the bottle well. |
| there. | | | | |