Question
When is it most appropriate to wean a child? Should we consider weaning if the child is already four months old? What impact does the age of weaning have on a child’s development?
Answer
As children grow, the various nutrients provided by breast milk gradually fail to meet their growth and development needs. Generally, weaning can be considered around 9 to 12 months of age. In areas where there is a shortage of dairy products or other milk substitutes, the weaning time can be appropriately delayed to about one and a half years, but there is no strict limit on the age of weaning. If the mother’s milk is abundant, the breastfeeding period can be extended appropriately. It is common to wean around one year old, but if breast milk supply decreases but the child is willing to consume milk or other foods, breastfeeding can continue. Conversely, if breast milk supply is insufficient and the child refuses to accept dairy products or other foods, it may be necessary to consider weaning earlier, around six months.