When do babies not need milk feeds anymore?

[user1472595001]

Evening all, I'd really value some advice here.

My just-turned-1yo son has always refused bottles and so has been breastfed. After a slow start to weaning he now eats well. I still bf him first thing in morning and before bed (and in night if essential). He'll drink water - though not large amounts - from a sippy cup and/or straw cup.

My question is when can I stop breastfeeding, given that he won't drink much fluid - water or milk - from cups? I'd like to replace breastfeeds with cow’s milk but he'll only have a sip or two so not the equivalent of a full feed. When do babies no longer require separate (from solids) milk feeds? He eats lots of yoghurt, cheese, milky food etc.

I'm happy to keep breastfeeding for a while longer but would like to go away for a week early next year (when he'll be 16mo) and don't want to deprive him of essential fluids/nutrition!

Thanks in advance.

[Georgeofthejungle]

They say you can switch to cows milk at age of 1 but there is loads of support for breastfeeding longer. It's up to you really but from age 1 is fine to switch. That's what I'm planning to do!

6 months here!

[SecretSpy]

They need milk, breastmilk or formula until 12m, but ideally breastfeeding until 2yo or more. After that, it's optional really, they need sources of calcium and fat soluble vitamins but this doesn't have to be from milk.

If they're eating a good varied diet and taking other fluids well you can adjust as you wish really.

At 16m you may well be able to continue bf after your week away without problems tbh, if you wanted to.