Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

Weaning from breast to cup is dependent on your baby's need to suck and his ability to drink from a cup. Most babies can be weaned to a cup by the time they are 6 to 7 months old if they are taking a daily total of 12 to 16 oz. of breast milk or formula from a cup along with other foods.

HINTS:

• PLAN AHEAD: Give yourself and your baby plenty of time. Gradual weaning gives your baby time to adjust; it also allows your milk supply to diminish gradually and saves you from engorged breasts.
• Love and affection are needed all the time, but they are especially important during traumatic changes like weaning.
• Some mothers experience a mild depression when weaning as a result of changes in hormones related to their milk production. This is especially likely to happen if the weaning is done quickly.
• When your baby is about 5 months old, begin offering breast milk or formula in a cup just to introduce the concept that milk can come in another container.
• At 6 months, offer your baby the cup with every meal--1/2 oz. of either breast milk which you express into the cup, or formula--but finish the meal with a nursing session.
• If you add formula to the cup and this is your baby's first exposure to formula, be sure to watch carefully how your baby tolerates the formula. Look for rashes, spitting up, and/or bowel problems. If any appear, you should consult your doctor and ask if you need to change formulas.
• It is advisable to use iron-fortified formula until the baby is at least l year old to avoid iron-deficiency anemia.
• Gradually increase the proportion of milk your baby takes from the cup. When your baby is taking 3 to 4 oz. of milk from the cup, you can eliminate a breast-feeding session--usually breakfast or lunch.
• After eliminating one nursing session, wait 5 to 7 days before eliminating another to give your baby a chance to adjust.
• Setbacks in weaning can be caused by many things, including stress, major changes in meal or bed times, or illness. If such setbacks occur, wait until the situation improves or the illness is over, and then continue the weaning process.
• Above all, PATIENCE, LOVE, AND SUPPORT are the keys!