Question

At what age can a baby typically stop breastfeeding? My daughter is now 5 months old, and due to work reasons, I want to start giving her formula milk. However, my mother-in-law insists that breastfeeding is better. What is the most suitable age to stop breastfeeding?

Answer

Generally, a baby can start solids around 4 months old, and by 6 months, the baby should be able to rely on their own immune system to resist external pathogens. For babies who are exclusively breastfed, it is advisable to start introducing formula milk by the time they are 8 months old, as the nutrients in breast milk may no longer meet their needs at that point. If conditions allow, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding as long as possible, but not beyond the age of 1 and a half to avoid the baby becoming overly dependent on breast milk and unwilling to accept other foods.