How do I wean my 9 month old son off the breast? I have pumped and given it to him in a bottle and a training cup and he will not drink out of either one. However, he will drink juice and water out of his cup. I have NEVER been able to leave him with anyone because of this. My husband and I would love to have some time alone, maybe a date night or something, but we can't. I am sooo lost and could really use some advice. Can someone please help me?
I am not trying to be mean but I wouldn't even consider weaning him at this age. Babies need breastmilk until at least 2 and this comes from WHO as well as Acadamy of Pediatrics. I would try to get him to take it out of a regular cup and have someone hold it for him or maybe just keep trying from a sippy. Definatly don't give him regular milk as babies are not suppose to have cow's milk until 12 months.
Whether to nurse or continue nursing is a personal choice so do what feels right for you and your baby. As far as weaning goes shop around for different bottles. With my youngest, we went through 5 different brands of bottles and countless nipple styles before we found one she would take. I nursed both my kids until they were one, and each child weaned differently. Maybe finding a bottle he likes will settle some anxiety about not being able to have some quality time with your husband. I also gave juice and water in a sippy, but not milk until they were a year. We didn't want to confuse them while they were still nursing. I feel sure you'll be able to find a bottle he likes!! You'll be able to tell quickly which one he likes. Good Luck!
My little one is 6 month and breastfed and wouldn't take any bottles until just recently when we tried the Dr. Brown's bottles. He now take one like a champ. Now, he'll even take formula, (if I'm low on the good stuff.) Weaning is a tough decision for us moms. Good luck with everything!
It will be hard for both of you, but if you are truely ready to wean him just refuse him for a few days. Offer him the cup or bottle, and when he is hungry he will take it. I weaned mine to only nursing before nap and bed at about 9 months and mine weaned themselves completely at 12 (my oldest daughter) and 11 months (my twins)so he may just not be ready yet, but if you have to do it now, that is the only way I know to do it. Try limiting the feedings gradually like nursing only before nap and bed times, gradually doing it less and less. You will both be miserable for a few days, but it should only take a couple weeks or so to be fully weaned doing it gradually like that.
Weaning is a big deal expecially if the child is only 9 months old. The WHO (World Health Organization)recomends nursing untill the child is at least 2 and the AAP (American Acadmy of Pediatrics) recomends at least 1 yr old. If you would like a night out you could pump milk and have the care giver spoon feed it or with a syringe. I think 4 hours on a date the child would be fine expecially if he is eating solids and drinking water. Any Dr who recomends weaning at 1 yr (as another poster said) needs to be sent back to school. I hope you find a way to have both!
To be honest most would take the oppurtunity to start weaning completely. Have you tried giving him regular milk in his cups - maybe start with flavored. Most peditiricians (sp?) do recommend weining at 12 months. I would check with yours or the local health department.
I was told to let someone else offer him the bottle and leave while they did this. I went to the store and my husband gave him the bottle. It took it for him. So when its time for his feeding try to let someone else give him the bottle and leave for a few minutes.
Hi- it took several weeks before my son would take milk in a sippy cup. He would take water from it just fine, also. Just keep trying.
Good luck!
J.
