Help! Weaning from Breastmilk to Formula/Milk?

Question

I pump and give my 16 month old son breastmilk in a bottle ever since he was born. I just found out I'm pregnant again, so I would like to stop with the breastfeeding. The problem is, no matter what I give him as a subsitute (milk or formula), he'll refuse it and scream for hours on end until I give him his breastmilk. Because he has only had breastmilk since he was born, he is very persistent. How can I wean him from breastmilk?

Answer 1

Well, I'd hope he's having a lot more to eat than just breastmilk by 16 months old...

I wouldn't worry. If he won't drink other milk, don't give it to him. Just make sure his food has a high dairy content - lots of cheese, yogurt, white sauce, milky puddings, milk on his cereal, custard... There's no law that says milk has to be drunk.

Answer 2

He's going to be miserable for a few days, but he'll get over it eventually b/c he should be eating mostly solid foods now at his age.  I just weaned my daughter from the bottle and she was in a terrible mood for about a day and now she's totally fine.  You just have to stick to it, and be consistent.

Answer 3

Maybe try to give him juice, or maybe put the milk in a sippy cup so it'll be different from a bottle and maybe he won't expect breast milk. I weaned my daughter from just breast to bottle so I didn't have too much trouble. Good luck!!