Some parents prefer to let their baby or toddler self‑wean. Others may choose to guide the process for practical, emotional, or medical reasons.  This guide focuses on daytime weaning of older babies and toddlers.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, starting within one hour of birth. Continued breastfeeding is advised alongside appropriate, safe, and nutritious solid foods for up to two years or beyond, with infants fed on demand, day and night. 

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Some parents can feel a pressure from family, friends or society to wean before they or their little one want to. If this is you, please consider reading this article first: https://breastfeeding.support/pressure-to-stop-breastfeeding/ Deciding when to stop breastfeeding is a personal choice that only the breastfeeding parent can determine.

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Please note that for babies under 12 months, any dropped feeds must be replaced with expressed breastmilk or First Stage Infant Formula. 

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A gradual approach 

A slow approach (over approximately 2–3 weeks) usually works best. It allows your child time to adjust and helps reduce your risk of blocked ducts or mastitis. 

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Some situations require faster weaning. Even then, it will not happen instantly, and a slower method still helps maintain breast comfort and emotional health of both parent and child. 

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Emma Pickett IBCLC has written extensively about parent‑led weaning and emphasises that it can be both structured and responsive. Her article Ending your breastfeeding journey: some approaches to parent‑led weaning outlines similar gradual steps and boundary‑setting within a close relationship. [emmapicket...espace.com] 

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Practical strategies for daytime weaning 

1. Offer alternatives 

• Offer cow’s milk or a suitable alternative in a cup (preferred over bottles for dental/oral development). 

• Provide a healthy snack alongside. 

• Avoid pressure — it tends to create resistance. 

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Emma Pickett highlights that introducing alternatives like snacks, drinks, or shared activities is a normal part of parent‑led weaning and helps children adapt without distress. 

[emmapicket...espace.com] 

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2. Change routines 

If certain times or places trigger feeding, adjust them. For

example:

• Move rooms 

• Avoid specific chairs 

• Alter the order of daily activities 

These changes are like the practical strategies described across

the Weaning Older Children section of Emma Pickett’s blog,

where routine shifts often reduce automatic feeding cues. 

[emmapicket...espace.com] 

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3. Use distraction when needed 

Useful distractions include: 

• Going outside 

• Reading a book 

• Offering a toy or simple activity 

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Emma’s guidance for older nurslings also notes that distraction

is often more effective for toddlers when used alongside clear

boundaries. [emmapicket...espace.com] 

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4. Drop the least‑preferred feeds first 

Begin with the feeds that are hardest for you to maintain. 

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5. Stop proactively offering the breast 

Let your child ask rather than offering automatically. 

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6. Keep explanations simple 

Short, consistent language works well: 

• “No milk now.” 

• “Milk later.” 

• “Snack instead.” 

In interviews and writing about boundaries during weaning, Emma highlights that honest, simple communication helps children understand change without shame or confusion. [abm.me.uk] 

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7. Wear clothing that limits access 

Choose clothes that make it harder for your child to reach your

breasts. 

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8. Avoid usual feeding spots 

Changing your environment reduces cues for breastfeeding.

 

9. Involve another adult where possible 

A partner or supporter can help with: 

• Distraction 

• Snacks 

• Play 

• Comfort at times you’re reducing feeds 

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Emma Pickett also notes that leaving a child with another adult solely as a weaning tactic can backfire, particularly if it increases distress. Gentle, supported changes tend to work better. [abm.me.uk] 

 

10. Offer food and drink early 

Meeting hunger or thirst before it escalates can reduce requests to feed. 

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11. Shorten feeds gradually 

If you're still offering some feeds, shorten them slightly and continue reducing over days or weeks. 

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12. Drop one feed every 2–3 days 

This pace usually reduces discomfort and protects against blocked ducts and mastitis. 

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Emma’s work on parent‑led weaning reinforces the value of gradual reduction rather than sudden removal of multiple feeds at once. [emmapicket...espace.com] 

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Emotional considerations 

Weaning can be a significant transition. Some children need more closeness and reassurance during the process. You may also find your own mood fluctuates. 

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Emma Pickett’s book Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding discusses how emotional shifts are normal for both parent and child during weaning and encourages a connected, respectful approach. 

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If stopping abruptly 

If you must stop quickly: 

• Hand express just enough to reduce discomfort 

• Do not fully empty the breast 

• Apply cold compresses to the breast 

• Avoid uncomforted crying 

  • Leaving a baby or toddler to cry without comfort is not recommended and is not part of any evidence‑based weaning approach. 

 

Resources:

Emma Pickett has a wealth of professional experience on weaning.

She shares extensive information on weaning (and other breastfeeding topics) via her Podcast, Makes Milk byt Emma Pickett: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jRjUN2RGmJsho2hFssypa 

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Her book Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding is an excellent resource for families and professionals alike: https://uk.jkp.com/products/supporting-the-transition-from-breastfeeding 

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Emma has published a book on weaning for toddlers and older children: The Story of Jessie's Milkies: A Weaning Book for Breastfeeding Toddlers and Older Children

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Additional resources:  https://www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com/blog/ending-your-breastfeeding-journey-some-approaches-to-parent-led-weaning