Weaning

Weaning is the process of teaching babies to stop drinking breastmilk or formula and to start eating solid foods or drinking from a cup. Just like how you learned to eat big kid food and drink from a cup instead of a bottle or sippy cup, babies need to learn and practice new skills too.

Weaning usually starts between four to six months old, when babies are developmentally ready for solid food. First, parents may introduce pureed foods like mashed fruits or vegetables. As babies grow and get used to eating different foods, parents gradually begin to decrease the amount of breastmilk or formula they offer until the baby is fully weaned and only drinking from a cup.

It's important to remember that every baby is different, and weaning should be done at a pace that works for both the baby and the parent. Some babies may wean very quickly, while others may need more time and practice to adjust to the changes in their diet. Parents should also consult with their pediatrician to make sure their baby is getting enough nutrition and is ready for the next steps in the weaning process.