Is It Time to Wean?

Babies Older Than One

Again, it's ideal to follow the two-month schedule. At week one your baby should be feeding on demand, and by week eight he should be comfortable with a sippy cup. To help:

• Wear complicated clothing. A dress with a zipper down the back may be enough to deter nursing-out-of-habit toddlers.
• Set a timer. Limit your toddler's nursing time by restricting it with a timer. Choose a less-than-average time to help move the process along.
• Avoid feeding spots. Stay away from places like the chair where you normally nurse baby.
• Find ways to stay close. The first phase of limiting this intimate contact will be the hardest, but it's eased if your baby doesn't feel abandoned. Be available to comfort baby and give her some undivided attention. More talks, bedtime stories, and games can fill this need.

It's not a good idea to wean when your family is experiencing an upheaval like moving or having a new baby. It will be tough for your child not to revert to nursing for comfort.