Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant human or other mammal to what will be its adult diet while withdrawing the supply of its mother's milk. In the UK, weaning primarily refers to the introduction of solid foods at 6 months;[1] in the US, it primarily refers to stopping breastfeeding.[2]
The process takes place only in mammals, as only mammals produce milk. The infant is considered to be fully weaned once it is no longer fed by any breast milk (or bottled substitute).
- ^ "Weaning - Start for Life". NHS. June 13, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.
- ^ CDC (July 9, 2021). "Weaning". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
Each child may be ready to wean, or stop breastfeeding, at different ages.