Question
When should a baby be weaned?
Answer
As children gradually grow, the nutrition provided by breast milk no longer meets their developmental requirements. It is generally recommended to start considering weaning between the ages of 9 to 12 months. In areas lacking other dairy products or substitutes, the weaning process can be delayed to around 18 months. However, there is no strict rule for the exact time of weaning. If the mother’s milk supply is ample, she can continue breastfeeding for a longer period, typically around 1 year. The weaning process should not be delayed beyond 2 years. If the mother’s milk supply is low and the child is unwilling to accept other foods, weaning should be initiated earlier, around 6 months.