Due to its rich nutritional content, breastfeeding is extremely beneficial for a baby’s growth. Therefore, if the mother’s health permits, it is recommended to prioritize breastfeeding. As the baby grows, introducing complementary foods at the appropriate time and gradually reducing breastfeeding until complete weaning is a natural process.
Regarding the ideal duration of breastfeeding, it is generally believed that weaning commonly occurs between one to one and a half years. By this time, the baby’s digestive system has matured relatively, so reducing breastfeeding and increasing complementary foods can ensure healthy growth. Of course, if the mother’s circumstances allow, continuing breastfeeding until around three years old is considered more ideal because the unique nutrients in breast milk are difficult to replace and greatly benefit the baby’s immune system. However, during this stage, it is also important to gradually develop the baby’s chewing ability and provide a balanced diet with complementary foods.
If a mother plans to wean the baby at eight months, she can gradually reduce the nursing frequency starting from six months and increase the proportion of complementary foods. Choosing the right time for weaning is also crucial, with the moderate climate of spring and autumn being more suitable for weaning, reducing the baby’s risk of getting sick due to climate changes.
