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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Thoughts on breastfeeding a toddler?

254 replies

atait1502 · 02/07/2026 22:22

Looking for some general thoughts and opinions on extending breastfeeding. I have a nearly 2 year old, and planning to continue for now. Had a mixed bag of responses from people so just looking to see others opinions and thoughts?

I am looking to wean eventually in the near future just not sure how to just yet!

OP posts:
bk1981 · 04/07/2026 18:45

PoppingRobin · 03/07/2026 04:56

Gross when they have teeth and can eat food. No need, saw a toddler the other day eating chicken nuggets and chips at a pub then pull its mums top down for dessert. Grim.

Why exactly is it gross?

8TinyToeBeans · 04/07/2026 19:19

Personally, I think it should stop when the baby is on solids. The longer it goes on the more I think it’s for the mum and not the child. But we’re all free to have our own opinions. As long as the child is fed and healthy, that’s what matters.

bk1981 · 04/07/2026 19:23

8TinyToeBeans · 04/07/2026 19:19

Personally, I think it should stop when the baby is on solids. The longer it goes on the more I think it’s for the mum and not the child. But we’re all free to have our own opinions. As long as the child is fed and healthy, that’s what matters.

Can I ask what exactly makes you think that?

CraftyCoffeeUser · 04/07/2026 20:15

8TinyToeBeans · 04/07/2026 19:19

Personally, I think it should stop when the baby is on solids. The longer it goes on the more I think it’s for the mum and not the child. But we’re all free to have our own opinions. As long as the child is fed and healthy, that’s what matters.

Can you explain why you think a 6-12 month old should not be given milk anymore and is better off getting milk from a cow? Actual scientific arguments? You are not stating that something is beautiful or whatever else that is subjective. You are expressing a view on a child's food, so what are you basing this on?

And what exactly is wrong with benefits for the mum?

Breastfeeding a newborn is a hell of a lot of work. Lots of women don't even consider it and go straight to formula because they don't want to be tied down for so long and handle all night wakes. But once that baby is older/toddler, BF helps with sleep, hydration, travel, illnesses, pain. The way I see it, women who BF a toddler are reaping the benefits of their hard work in the early days.

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