How long does weaning usually take?

Generally, the natural weaning process may take from two weeks to one month, while using some auxiliary methods for weaning might complete the process in about one week, although the specific duration can be influenced by multiple factors. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Babies can be considered for weaning at 10 to 12 months of age, when their digestive systems gradually become more developed and capable of handling a wider variety of foods. If mothers choose natural weaning, as the baby's demand for breast milk decreases and complementary foods increase, the mother's milk production will naturally decline, and the breasts will gradually adapt to this change. This process is relatively gentle and generally takes two weeks to one month. If certain auxiliary methods are used, such as gradually reducing the frequency of breastfeeding or using medications to suppress lactation, milk production can rapidly decrease, and weaning may be completed in about one week. However, if the mother's milk production is high or the baby is highly dependent on breast milk, the weaning period may be prolonged.

Prior to preparing for weaning, the variety and quantity of the baby's complementary foods can be gradually increased, allowing the baby to adapt to different tastes and textures of food, thereby reducing reliance on breast milk and preparing for successful weaning.