Weaning is the process in which children begin to eat solid foods and transition away from feedings from a bottle or a mother’s breast. This process typically begins when an infant is between four months and one year old and is an important developmental milestone.

There is no standard age at which a child should be weaned. Instead, parents or caregivers can use their best judgment to determine when to make this transition. Weaning can be done all at once, or gradually. Weaning a child before the age of two may make the transition to solid foods easier than if weaning is attempted later in a child’s life. Children who are age two or older are more likely to feel an attachment to the breast or bottle, and are more likely to be upset at the thought of giving it up.

Children may display several signs that they are ready to be weaned. For example, the extrusion reflex – which causes children to instinctively push objects out of their mouths – may disappear. Other signs that a child is ready for weaning include intense interest at the sight of regular foods and high levels of distractibility during breastfeeding.

Before feedings, children should be safely strapped into a highchair that has a stable base so that it will not tip over. Parents who introduce solid foods to their child’s diet can use either commercially prepared baby foods, or create their own foods. Parents are urged to consult with a pediatrician about which foods to introduce first.

Creating the right atmosphere can play a large role in the success of weaning. Potential distractions should be eliminated. Parents are urged to remain patient, as it usually takes longer for a child to finish a meal of solid foods than to finish a meal of breast milk or formula. Some children will adapt to eating solid food with enthusiasm, while others will be harder to win over. Over time, all children become comfortable with the texture and consistency of solid foods.