The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Daronda asks

My son is 12 months old and I am still nursing him. I enjoy nursing him, but family and friends insists that he is too old and that I should wean. He eats food and drinks from a cup really well, but he still wants to be nursed anytime that I am around. He is in daycare all day and is fine until I walk through the door. It's like he can smell the milk. He's getting to the point where he pulls up my shirt and tries to nurse whenever he gets ready. Should I wean now, and if so how should I go about doing it???? Help, Help, Help!!!!

Hi Daronda,

Weaning is a very personal decision, and I won't tell you to or not to. You should be aware that the benefits of nursing continue past one year (fewer infections, fewer hospitalizations, lower mortality rates, lower cancer rates, etc). We have some Extended Nursing Frequently Asked Questions" you may want to read.

Regardless of your decision, there is no time like the present to teach manners and teach more discreet nursing. Especially if you do continue nursing, you can teach your child to ask for nursing without pulling up your shirt. I taught my kids a hand signal to indicate that he wanted to nurse, and my daughter liked to use the word "nummies". Gently but firmly remove your boy's hand from your shirt, and tell him how to ask. Be sure to be ready to nurse him, since that's a key motivator in teaching another term!

Your little boy is completely normal in wanting to nurse as soon as you are home. I would consider this normal and be available right then, and put off changing or putting items away until later. Your boy regains his sense of connection and closeness to you, along with of course the milk he likes!

We have some weaning tips that may be helpful if you are interested. Keep in mind that 12 month olds take longer to wean in general. They require more distractions, and you should plan on the last nursing session taking quite a while to give up.

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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