How do you wean a clingy toddler?

Shastin - posted on 05/05/2011

I would tell her that you'll feed her "ninny" when she wakes up and before bed but that it all (or whatever you decide). Let her know in the middle of the day that that is it and don't give in. She might not eat well for a couple of days but eventually she'll figure it out, she's a smart girl. That way you can bond with her at specific times and not quit cold turkey. Sit down and talk with her about it first. They understand more than we think.

Kimberly - posted on 05/04/2011

So glad I'm not the only one. My daughter is the EXACT same way. She will be 2 at the end of July. She calls it "nite nite" and I find myself constantly walking around the house doing various things to try and avoid her because the minute I sit down there she is "nite nite" and she gets MEAN when I won't give it to her. She does fine without it on the RARE occasion that I actually get out of the house by myself so I know she can be weaned but I when I'm home and she's demanding it I give it to her. She's my last child so I've really enjoyed nursing her this long but I too am done. I've been either pregnant or nursing a child for the last 4 years and I would really like my body back and to wear shirts that don't have flaps...and maybe just maybe go away for the weekend with just my husband. The only thing I can figure is to do it cold turkey which I don't really want to do because it seems so cruel but I know she'll get over it eventually but .....aarrgh! Let me know if you figure something out because I would love the help too! Good Luck.

Tracy - posted on 05/04/2011

did you figure this out cause I need help....I'm ready to stop nursing my 23 month old son

NAOMI - posted on 04/24/2011

I'm still feeding my 3 year old but I've found he feeds a lot less when we go out - even just outside. With the warmer weather can you get her in a car seat or stroller for a while each day to change her routine? I remember at 2 my boy was driving me insane and I've only just weaned him off of night feeds (much to his horror) but I really think he still needs the feeds that he's asking for emotionally. Also, if the feeding is associated with you sitting, when she asks for a feed can you get up and move to a specific feeding chair so she starts to associate feeds with that location only and then maybe she'll start to elave you alone when you are sitting somewhere else. I've also started making feeds less comfortable during the day by not supporting his head with pillows or whatever when my son feeds (and I'd rather he wasn't at that time) and this is shortening our feeding sessions significantly. Hope this helps.

Stacy - posted on 04/24/2011

I have 3 children, all who nursed. I weaned the first 2, no problem by 14 months old. My third, and last, I let her nurse longer. She was 23 months old and I had had enough. I had a minor surgery and had a small bandage on my belly, and told her she couldn't lay on Mommy, it hurt, ouch. She seemed to understand and didn't want to hurt me. We quit cold turkey when I came home with the bandage. There were times she would ask, or try to nurse, and I'd say, no, ouch, it hurts Mommy. It broke my heart and it was hard not to give in, but it worked. Now when she is tired and wants comfort, she puts her little hand between my breasts. Trying to get her to stop that now, lol. Good luck.

Angela - posted on 04/23/2011

i told my daughter an i used this alot that she's a big girl now and bigs don't( u fill in ) and don't foreget to praise her when she does what u want her to .And stand firm .just say no only babies do that a u are my lil big girl.Don't forget the happy dance. it works for a lot of diffirent things. after all they are growing up an they want to do what other kids can do.

Lise - posted on 04/23/2011

First, if you want to wean her, here is a link with weaning techniques: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weani...

Second, if her attitude is what makes you want to wean, you may want to consider just teaching her some nursing manners. My 18 month old will wait to be nursed (unless she's super tired), can tolerate being told no (again, unless she's super tired), etc. It took some time, but it's possible.

(hug)

Lauralee - posted on 04/23/2011

My friend suggested this and it worked great for me. I put Bandaid on my nipples and said mommy has owies. They won't want to hurt you.

Donna - posted on 04/23/2011

omg i feel yur pain. my daughter is 18 months and is still breast feeding. Id like to wean her but i just dont know how to.