Weaning

Weaning means gradually reducing the number of feeds your baby or child has until they no longer need or want to breastfeed. 

How you approach weaning will depend on your child’s age and how quickly you want to stop. For many families, weaning is a gentle, flexible process that gives everyone time to adjust.

If you’ve been feeding for a while, you’ll know that your breasts don’t stop making milk just because you stop feeding your baby. If you need to stop feeding quickly, you will need to take steps to reduce your supply.

Weaning slowly gives your body and your child time to adjust, helps avoid overfull breasts, and reduces the risk of mastitis. Many parents find that slow weaning is easier for everyone. It allows for flexibility if your child gets sick or needs extra comfort, and you can always go back to more breastfeeds if needed. 

However, if you need to wean quickly, you may need a different approach.

This will depend on your child’s age and what else they’re eating and drinking. 

For babies under 12 months: 

Breastfeeds will need to be replaced as you wean.

• Australian guidelines recommend that infant formula is the safest alternative for babies under 12 months.¹
• The World Health Organization states that either formula or pasteurised animal milks (like cows' milk) can be used from 6 months.²

For children over 12 months:

There is no need to replace breastfeeds. Children over 12 months can be offered drinks, including full cream cow’s milk or water, along with other foods. Toddler formulas aren’t recommended³ or needed. 

If you're unsure about your options, check with your child health nurse. 

• Drop one breastfeed at a time:  Start with the feed that feels easiest to let go. Perhaps the one your baby seems least interested in or the one that's most convenient for you. Wait a few days before dropping the next feed, giving your breasts and your child time to adjust.
• Reduce the amount at each feed: For babies under 6 months, offer formula before breastfeeds. Your child health nurse can advise you on amounts. For older babies, offer solids and other drinks first, then finish with a breastfeed if needed.
• Encouraging weaning gently: Offer one breast per feed, give plenty of other drinks and offer your baby a dummy for extra sucking if they need it. Try feeding your baby according to a fixed routine, if you can.
• Watch for signs of breast inflammation: If your breasts become very full, hand express or use a breast pump until you’re comfortable. Express only what you need so your supply isn’t built up again. Check your breasts daily for lumps, soreness or redness and treat any signs early to avoid mastitis.  

Your baby or child may feel unsettled when weaning begins. Make sure you still spend plenty of time together and give them lots of cuddles.

Breastfeeding hormones play an important role in helping mums feel calm and connected with their babies. As you breastfeed less or finish breastfeeding, it’s normal for changes to occur, both physically and emotionally.

You might experience mood swings, tearfulness, or just not feel like yourself for a little while, especially if weaning happens quickly or unexpectedly. Your hormones may take a little while to settle after weaning. If you find that low mood, anxiety, or other symptoms continue, talk to your child health nurse or other healthcare provider. 

Weaning is a significant milestone, and it can be an emotional time, even if you don’t notice the hormonal effects. You might feel sad about finishing breastfeeding, or unsure about new ways to comfort your child. Every mum’s experience is different, and it’s okay to take time to process these changes. 

Remember that breastfeeding is just one part of being a loving parent. You and your child can still enjoy closeness and cuddles, knowing you’ve given them a great start. Have a chat to a breastfeeding counsellor if you’d like support as you adjust to this new phase in your relationship with your baby. 
 

© Australian Breastfeeding Association March 2026