What comes next after weaning?

The end of breastfeeding can be an emotionally complex time for many mothers. You may feel nostalgic for that special connection with your baby while also feeling apprehensive about what lies ahead. As natural as this transition is, it can bring on milk blues or post-weaning depression, which is often underestimated and rarely discussed. Yet it also marks the beginning of a new phase in your relationship, as your baby starts to explore the world in a different way! 

Weaning your baby is a delicate stage, and every mother’s experience is unique. Choosing when to begin is a deeply personal decision, with no universal rule. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life (4), but breastfeeding can continue well beyond that. The key is to take a gradual approach, introducing a bottle little by little and creating a calm, reassuring environment. The transition can be difficult for your baby because it brings changes in taste, temperature and texture. It can also be difficult for you if you experience breast engorgement or mastitis. 

Whether weaning begins naturally with your baby or is planned by you, what matters most is respecting each other’s pace and approaching the change with care (5). Support from a lactation consultant can be invaluable in helping you navigate this stage gently, with confidence and peace of mind. 

Ultimately, the right time is the time that works best for you! Whatever happens, stopping breastfeeding should be your choice, not something you feel forced to do. Only you can decide.

The transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding is a crucial moment for both baby and mother, and can bring about stress, worry and guilt. To minimise these difficulties, it is essential to make this transition gradually and gently. This allows the baby to get used to the new feeding method and to avoid any nutritional or digestive issues. 

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are two distinct experiences for a baby. At the breast, the baby is active, adjusting their sucking in response to the flow of milk and their own hunger, which allows them to feed whilst remaining in close contact with their mother. With a bottle, on the other hand, the baby may feel disorientated, faced with a flow of milk they must swallow. The sucking technique (mouth and tongue movements) is therefore quite different and can lead to a more or less lengthy acceptance of the bottle. Don't worry about "nipple confusion" and find all our advice on the subject in the dedicated article. 

Try to stay calm and relaxed, and above all do not put pressure on yourself: your baby will eventually accept the bottle — if not the first time, then the next!

The introduction of solid foods into a baby's diet is an important milestone that depends on their individual needs and development. Parents have a choice of different methods, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Regardless of the method chosen, introducing foods starts from 6 months, when baby shows signs of hunger shortly after finishing a full bottle. Before the age of 4 months, your baby does not have the gastrointestinal maturity needed to digest solid foods, while after the age of 6 months breast milk or infant formula alone is insufficient to meet their nutritional needs. Likewise, being able to sit upright with support whilst holding their head and back straight, showing an interest in food, and being able to swallow food offered are all signs that it is time to introduce solid foods. 

The order of introduction in weaning 

The order in which foods are introduced does not matter! It is recommended to start with iron-rich foods to prevent the risk of deficiency, such as leafy green vegetables and meat and fish purées (4). Once these foods have been introduced and accepted, your baby's diet should be varied and balanced.

Allergens in weaning 

It is perfectly normal for your baby to show a preference for certain foods and a reluctance towards others, as they are getting used to new flavours and textures.

When introducing potentially allergenic foods (eggs, peanuts, dairy products), it is important to watch carefully for any allergic reaction. It is advisable to introduce allergenic foods at the same time as other solid foods, and to offer them regularly to maintain tolerance and reduce the risk of allergy (5). Introducing them too early or too late may increase your baby's risk of developing an allergy.

Meal frequency in weaning

Regarding the quantity and frequency of meals, follow each baby's individual rhythm, guided by their hunger and fullness cues!

First food experiences can sometimes be challenging, both for you and your baby. It is therefore essential to encourage independence, remain patient, and respect each baby's individual pace and preferences. Bear in mind that even if your baby accepts new foods, breast milk or infant formula remains their main source of nutrients until the age of 1!

Nutrition plays an essential role in a baby's development and growth (6). At the heart of a 6-month-old baby's diet is breast milk and/or infant formula, which form the fundamental basis of their nutrition.

Vegetables and fruit

The weaning process begins gradually, introducing new foods as the baby grows. Vegetables such as green beans, courgettes and carrots can be introduced from 6 months, followed by fruit from the same period. As sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre, they are offered cooked, puréed or as a compote. These first steps in weaning are crucial for getting the baby used to different flavours and textures, whilst ensuring their healthy development.

Proteins

The addition of animal proteins (meat, fish, egg) at around 10 g per day is also recommended. These foods are advised for their protein and iron content. Lean meats and fish rich in omega-3 are preferable, while the consumption of processed meats and charcuterie should be limited. These foods must be well cooked, blended or finely mashed!

Starchy foods 

At the same time, the gradual introduction of starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta and rice provides the child with an additional source of energy to support their development. These foods, properly prepared and adapted to the baby's age, are rich in fibre, iron and protein. They help to diversify their diet and meet their constantly evolving nutritional needs.

Please note that there is no set order for introducing food groups, including allergenic ones, which can all be introduced from the very start of weaning! However, it is important to vary foods each day to help with acceptance, which can sometimes require a degree of patience (7).

Choosing between shop-bought jars and homemade food isn't always straightforward… Preparing homemade meals for your baby has many advantages:

Home-cooked meals offer toddlers a healthier, more balanced diet tailored to their specific needs, while allowing parents to control the ingredients and encourage a sustainable approach.

Nevertheless, the composition of commercially produced baby food, whether organic or not, is strictly regulated, and the legislation governing infant nutrition is very rigorous in order to safeguard babies' health! 

The weaning process and introduction of foods for your baby requires a gradual and attentive approach. Whether stopping breastfeeding or diversifying their diet, it is essential to favour a gentle transition, whilst offering emotional support and respecting each individual's pace. It is important to recognise and support mothers who may experience complex emotions during this period, whilst accompanying them through their baby's new phase of growth and development!

If you are weaning because your milk supply has decreased, you can take a breastfeeding supplement to support your milk production and avoid a sudden weaning! Seek support from an IBCLC for personalised advice.