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Weaning

Find weaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Weaning forum. Use our child development calendar for more information.

Original poster

Breastfeeding an 18 month old

14 replies

Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 16:14

Need advice , my 18 month old still wants to be breastfed a lot through the day and night on top of his meals . I’ve been trying to wean but he will not take a bottle . I’m planning on going away for the night much needed friend time but I’m worried he won’t settle for his dad . I’m always there and he naps and co sleeps with me ,will he be ok without me and breastfeeding for one night ? So anxious about this

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cavily1806 · 05/12/2022 16:24

Why don't you go out in the evening as a test so dad has to put him to bed and deal with the first wake up for a feed. He might be absolutely fine with his dad there so it's a good test to measure and if he's not then you'll be home soon. I feel for you. 22 month equally obsessed with boob here

TheDishElopedwiththeSpoon · 05/12/2022 16:26

Even if he’s a horror and up every 2 hours, both toddler and dad will survive, and toddler will learn dad can help him when he wakes up at night too. Long term, it won’t hurt either of them, or you.

Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 16:27

I’ve been out once and left him with dad , I’ve put him to bed and then as he usually does he’s woken up . He went back to sleep eventually but there was loads of crying involved but he did do it . Think I’m anxious as he’s a mummy’s boy and I’ve only left him for maybe what 3 or 4 hrs maximum

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Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 16:29

Thank you thedishelopedwiththespoon ☺️ I’m just needing a break cos it’s me who does it all , all the feeds , naps , nighttime because he’s very clingy . Cries when I leave the room but I know I need to leave him if that makes sense

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Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 16:31

Cavily1806 honestly I thought by now he would be nah I don’t want it but he takes probably more two minute wee snacks off of me than he did when he was tiny and my boys is massive he looks about 3 not 18 months lol

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TheDishElopedwiththeSpoon · 05/12/2022 16:39

He will be fine, truly. Do tell him that day that tonight Daddy will be looking after him and Mummy will be back for lunch tomorrow or whatever the plan is. 18month olds don’t have a great concept of time so you’re going for Mum’s not here now, but she will be back tomorrow when we do X activity again. Same as nursery workers do when they say things like - Mum/Dad is going to work. We’re going to play, have lunch, nap, play some more, have a snack, have a story and then mum will come back.

DoubleHelix79 · 05/12/2022 17:04

I had to wean DS off recently at around 18 months. He was still really keen, feeding both at night and during the day, getting very agitated when milk wasn't forthcoming. Ramping down gradually wasn't working at all. I eventually went cold turkey during the day, and he got used to it very quickly. Then a few weeks later i stopped all nightfeeds leaving just the first and last feed of the day. Those have now been replaced by a cup of cowsmilk with a straw. Each stage involved a day or two of unsettledness, but overall he accepted the changes surprisingly quickly. Good luck OP - he may get it quite quickly once he realises you're serious.

Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 18:14

doublehelix79 I hope so he just seems to never be off me and although it’s cute he’s getting a little bitey and I could do with a little freedom back as I do have 3 other children ☺️ hopefully I can go away and he’s alright it’s amazing how anxious you get and he will probably be fine as well

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DoubleHelix79 · 05/12/2022 19:20

I know the feeling! DS was REALLY keen on the boob, whereas his older sister lost interest much earlier. I honestly expected weeks of misery!

Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 05/12/2022 21:36

this is the longest I’ve breastfed the others were so easy and he’s just glued to me lol hopefully I can get him off soon

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PritiPatelsMaker · 09/12/2022 07:43

I'd try some gentle night weaning now so that he's used to being settled by his DF.

I've heard a good tip in the day is try to distract them with a nice drink like hot chocolate or juice.

Personally I'd go on your night away. He may cry, he may be clingy when you get back but his DF will be with him. Perhaps start the process by sending them out together this weekend for a few hours.

Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 09/12/2022 11:22

Thank you , haven’t managed out yet he’s had this horrible cough for a couple of weeks so is even more clingy than usual and I’m getting no sleep . Hopefully things change soon

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PritiPatelsMaker · 11/12/2022 10:49

Hopefully they will @Stressedmum27. Is the cough getting any better?

Original poster
Stressedmum27 · 21/12/2022 12:11

Sorry just noticed this it’s been a crazy few weeks , still has the cough but way better than it was pritipatelsmaker

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