Breastfeeding your toddler is completely normal and brings many benefits for both of you.
You might enjoy feeding your toddler and want to keep going but sometimes others may suggest it’s time to stop. If you’re feeling pressure to wean, know that it’s your choice—and there are many good reasons to continue.
Why keep breastfeeding your toddler?
Research shows that breastfeeding remains important for you and your child during the toddler years.
- Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that breastfeeding continue after solids have been introduced for as long as mother and baby desire.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for at least 2 years.
- In Australia 28% of children are still breastfeeding at 12 months.
Breastfeeding your toddler can provide:
- 29% of daily energy needs
- 43% of protein requirements
- 75% of Vitamin A requirements
- 60% of Vitamin C requirements
- 76% of folate requirements
- 94% of vitamin B12 requirements
- 36% of calcium requirements.
The longer you breastfeed your child, the more you reduce the risks in your child of:
gastrointestinal, respiritory and ear infections
dental malocclusions
overweight and obesity
lower IQ.
More than just the health benefits
Breastfeeding offers emotional security and can help your toddler settle or sleep.
Sick children will tolerate breastmilk more easily than food.
If your child is hurt, breastfeeding can soothe their discomfort.
It’s convenient and can save time.
For some mums, breastfeeding delays the return of fertility.
It’s good for your health, too
Breastfeeding longer can lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
How is breastfeeding a toddler different?
For a toddler, breastfeeding can be more about staying close to mum as being a source of food.
- Toddlers may feed quickly and less often, or sometimes more frequently.
- They might breastfeed in new positions or be more active during feeds.
- You may need to find comfortable ways to hold your growing child.
Handling questions from others
If friends or family question your choice, it can help to have a simple response ready.
You’re not alone—many parents find support and understanding at ABA gatherings.
Breastfeeding is the most powerful tool a mother of a toddler has. With a few quick sucks you can soothe a sore knee or a tantrum, or get an overtired child off to sleep in minutes. We'd be mad to give it up too quickly.
I couldn't bear to get up when Sam woke at 6:30 on those cold winter mornings. By breastfeeding we could stay cuddled up together in our big, warm bed for another half hour or so. It was a lovely way to start the day for both of us.
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