Breastfeeding and toddlers

Only the mother or parents can decide what’s right for them and their toddler’s breastfeeding relationship, and when to wean. Breastfeeding your toddler as often as you want (or as often as the toddler’s mother wants) is great for toddlers.

• A breastfeeding toddler may not eat as much food as a weaned toddler, but that is not usually a problem.

• Toddlers might want to breastfeed out of boredom when you are inside the home. Being out and about enjoying friends, walks and activities will better meet the toddler’s sensory needs and shift the child’s focus away from breastfeeding.

When the breastfeeding mother decides to cut back or wean, the toddler’s volume of solid foods will increase. This, however, is not usually a reason to wean until you are ready. In the meantime though, continue filling your little one's days and evenings with abundant opportunities for wholesome food experiments, in the midst of rich sensory motor nourishment - even if you are also offering the breast generously!

Acknowledgements

I'm grateful to Professor Sophie Havighurst, Ros June, and Caroline Ma at Mindful, The University of Melbourne, for their feedback on the articles and videos in Little people + food.