Weaning my baby and what do you replace nursing with?

[mrscompgeek]

*Please dont flame me for weaning my baby. I know alot of people on here are baby led weaning and thats totally fine but for us this is what we have to do. Every family/ every child is different and we are doing whats right for us/my daughter at the moment.*

I am slowly weaning my almost 11 month old. She was nursing
when she woke up in the morning
after her morning nap
after her afternoon nap
bedtime

Last week I stopped nursing her after her afternoon nap. Instead I gave her 2-3 ounces of watered down apple juice and either 1/2 banana or some home made graham cracker. She did totally fine. Never even wanted to nurse.
Now next week Im going to start working on not nursing after her morning nap. My goal is to drop a nursing session once every 2 weeks.
My question is- what do you replace the nursing sessions with? I dont want to give her juice and crackers both times, should I give her solids or just stick with a bottle of juice for now? We dont drink milk in my house so I really dont want to give her cows milk.
She eats veggies and fruit purees at breakfast, lunch and supper and she also eats bananas, crackers, green beans whole, peas whole, chicken chunks whole, Oatmeal, yogurt. So should I make the afternoon snack more food and use the apple juice bottle for her morning snack now?

edited to add: She doesnt like chunks of fresh fruit, only pureed. Also she doesnt like avacado.

[goldingoddess]

It is my understanding that children weaned at 1 year need to be receiving some kind of milk or formula. It is 'unnatural' to wean so young, so some kind of substitute nutrition needs to be taking the place of breastmilk, I believe that the rule is, under a year old formula should be the substitute, but I'm sure you'll get better information then what I can offer.. I would consider talking to a ped. to get their opinion.

[lotus.blossom]

Here is an article from kellymom about weaning and alternative milk. Although she mentions that cows milk is not necessary for breastmilk replacement, I would think that a baby that young will need some sort of very nutrient packed replacement. I'm sure you have your reasons for weaning, and aren't looking for support in that aspect, but honestly watered down applejuice isn't a great alternative. Its just empty calories and sugar.

[KristyDi]

At that age you should be replacing your milk with either formula or another milk (before a year I'd personally choose formula) Babies that age aren't developed enough to be getting much nutrition from solids yet and I agree with pp about juice being basically sugar and water. Look at it this way, if you were to stop eating say dinner, what would be a good replacement? Not juice or crackers, you'd want something with equal or similar nutrition. I believe the AAP says that at a year a baby should be getting 75% of their nutrition from formula or breast milk so you can use that as a guide. I'm not sure of the % and a quick google didn't find the answer for me, but it's a high %, well above 50%. I'll look a bit more later and edit if I find it.

[RoViMama]

What about a grain? Quinoa or oatmeal? Tofu? You could grind it and slowly thicken it. As long as she is getting a good AM and PM feeding, I might not replace it with formula but I'm not sure.
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/sol...ntholdbaby.htm
I love this website. Great ideas for snacks and appropriate meals for all babies.
It sounds like you are slowly weaning and she will be one by the time you are finished.

[texmati]

we are in the same spot, my DS is also 11 mos, and we are weaning-- not by choice. We replacing nursing sessions with bottles of formula.

[blessedwithboys]

Grain would not be an appropriate human milk substitute and neither would apple juice, whether watered down or full strength.

Before 12 mos, you must replace human milk with formula. I would even recommend supplying formula until up to 24 months, since babies are supposed to be nursed at least that long.

If you don't want to use, or can't afford, artifical formula, you may wish to try goat milk, with or without added supplements.

[Llyra]

The main issue is dietary fat. I would want a baby to be on some form of milk-- whether a milk, soy, or hypoallergenic formula, whole cow's milk, or goat's milk, or something with a similar nutritional profile-- at least until 2 years, and honestly, much longer would be best. If I was dead-set against milk, I'd consider other fat-rich foods like whole-milk yogurt, egg yolks, liver, good organic butter, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish.

Juice is not an appropriate replacement for breastmilk. I wouldn't give juice at all at this age, or if I did, I'd limit it to 4 ounces a day or less, just for fun. It has no fat, no protein, no vitamins and minerals other than C, and is loaded with sugars (natural ones, if you're using 100% juice, but it's still sugar.)

I also would limit starchy stuff like crackers, especially if they're not fully whole-grain. They replace the more nutrient-rich foods that kids need to grow optimally.

[alegna]

Most things I've read say that babies/toddlers need a full fat milk for two full years, so if breastmilk is being removed, it should be replaced with formula or cow's milk or goat's milk or the like.

-Angela

[mrscompgeek]

Originally Posted by lotus.blossom

I'm sure you have your reasons for weaning, and aren't looking for support in that aspect, but honestly watered down applejuice isn't a great alternative. Its just empty calories and sugar.

Its pure apple juice, no added sugars.

Originally Posted by RoViMama

It sounds like you are slowly weaning and she will be one by the time you are finished.

Yes she will be. She is 11 months now.

Originally Posted by Llyra

Juice is not an appropriate replacement for breastmilk. I wouldn't give juice at all at this age, or if I did, I'd limit it to 4 ounces a day or less, just for fun. It has no fat, no protein, no vitamins and minerals other than C, and is loaded with sugars (natural ones, if you're using 100% juice, but it's still sugar.)

I also would limit starchy stuff like crackers, especially if they're not fully whole-grain. They replace the more nutrient-rich foods that kids need to grow optimally.

She only gets 2 oz of juice a day. And the crackers are homemade by me. Not store bought.

Originally Posted by alegna

Most things I've read say that babies/toddlers need a full fat milk for two full years, so if breastmilk is being removed, it should be replaced with formula or cow's milk or goat's milk or the like.

-Angela

We dont drink cows milk here because honestly I dont think it is good for you. Not the kind you buy in the stores. Im sure some of you will argue this fact but thats my feelings about it.
I have goat milk available I just got contact with a farmer that will give me some to use.

Yes, I do have my reasons for weaning her and have talked with her Ped, and 2 of my LLL leaders and they all said I DO NOT Have to give her formula in replacement of it or cows milk. She is getting fruits and veggies and sometimes chicken at every meal and getting her grains at snack time.
I am just looking for something to replace it with.

[mrscompgeek]

adding this from Kellymom.com

Why I dont think Cows milk is a good choice for us- - -
Cow's milk is more specific to a baby cow than a baby human. Cow's milk formula is based on cow's milk but has been engineered to be closer to human milk (still a ways off, but closer). Many infants still have problems with cow's milk formula (allergies, GI problems, etc.). Babies who are exposed to cow's milk before their first birthday are more likely to be anemic, have diarrhea or vomiting, and/or experience an allergic reaction (the proteins in milk are more numerous than those in other milk products, such as the yogurt). The excessive protein load in cow's milk can also overload a baby's kidneys. It is deficient in vitamins C, E, and copper. It is harder to digest as well, often causing intestinal blood loss. A number of studies have also indicated that early introduction of cow's milk may contribute to the development of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

[annettemarie]

Moving to Life with a Babe. You might also want to post in the Nutrition forum.

[mrscompgeek]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

Moving to Life with a Babe. You might also want to post in the Nutrition forum.

Thanks!

[zinemama]

I don't care why or that you're weaning. But a child that young needs either formula or some kind of milk. Some babies have problems with milk but you don't know that your baby will. Most do fine. I can't think of anything else that would provide the amount of calories and fats that a child this young needs to thrive. Certainly not crackers, homemade or otherwise.

[blessedwithboys]

OP you are right to be concerned about giving cow milk to your human child. Cow milk is designed for calves. But your child is a mammal and therefore needs milk in infancy and early childhood. The primary food at this age needs to be milk, and if it's not milk produced by human breasts, it needs to be milk prduced by the breast of some animal. By not providing milk, from whatever species, the LOs brain will not be able to develop properly. I think it's pretty crappy that dr's and LLL leaders are giving you inaccurate information. Good luck finding a better-informed care provider!

[lotus.blossom]

I'm curious about whether your Ped or LLL leader recommended anything to feed her with in replacement for breastmilk?

Another thought of mine is maybe juicing fresh veggies/fruits that way you are getting a lot of nutrients into her, rather than pasteurized empty juice. Perhaps adding some avocado or coconut butter or oil for fat, or even a protein powder (rice and pea? or goatmilk powder?) to make it into a smoothie.

[mrscompgeek]

Originally Posted by blessedwithboys

OP you are right to be concerned about giving cow milk to your human child. Cow milk is designed for calves. But your child is a mammal and therefore needs milk in infancy and early childhood. The primary food at this age needs to be milk, and if it's not milk produced by human breasts, it needs to be milk prduced by the breast of some animal. By not providing milk, from whatever species, the LOs brain will not be able to develop properly. I think it's pretty crappy that dr's and LLL leaders are giving you inaccurate information. Good luck finding a better-informed care provider!

I beg your pardon but we love our care provider. She is very awesome.

Originally Posted by zinemama

I don't care why or that you're weaning. But a child that young needs either formula or some kind of milk. Some babies have problems with milk but you don't know that your baby will. Most do fine. I can't think of anything else that would provide the amount of calories and fats that a child this young needs to thrive. Certainly not crackers, homemade or otherwise.

And if you both read my last post I wrote:
I have goat milk available I just got contact with a farmer that will give me some to use.

[mrscompgeek]

Originally Posted by lotus.blossom

I'm curious about whether your Ped or LLL leader recommended anything to feed her with in replacement for breastmilk?

Another thought of mine is maybe juicing fresh veggies/fruits that way you are getting a lot of nutrients into her, rather than pasteurized empty juice. Perhaps adding some avocado or coconut butter or oil for fat, or even a protein powder (rice and pea? or goatmilk powder?) to make it into a smoothie.

Thats what I do, juice her fruits for juices.
My LLL gave me a few choices and my Ped told me what she thinks is acceptable and said she left it up to me as obviously I am a great parent considering my daughter is in perfect health.

[braidmama]

Hey all,
I just wanted to give my input here! My son is 5 months old and unfortunately I have somewhat of a low supply (I've been working hard to bring it back up and luckily I;ve had some luck! Seems to be improving!).

Anyway, we do supplement for about 2 feedings a day (sometimes 1 and sometimes 3, depending on how much I am able to pump while at work). I didn't feel comfortable with any kind of commercial formula, personally. I just felt that I wanted him to have something real. I'm not saying this would work for everyone and I understand that for some babies formula does bcome necessary...just getting that out of the way. We give him local, organic goat's milk with added stuff. Floradix Children's vitamins and FloraBaby Probiotics. I also give him egg yolk every other day (not the whites! those are known to potentially be allergy-provoking!) mashed well and mixed with either breast milk or goat's milk, served warm. I give him the egg yolk because of the iron. Goat's milk doesn't contain any so I think this is important! I use only organic egss with dha and omega's.

I'm in no way a dr or anything but or pedi, who is very popular around these parts it seems, is fine with it as long as his diet is mostly breastmilk (it is). I feel like if I wasn't going to be nursing at all though I might use formula only because it really is packed with nutrients. However at 11 months it might not be necessary...I'm not sure.

[laughingfox]

Personally, I'd replace breastmilk with formula for anyone under 18-24 months. There are soy and grain based options available, as well as organic options and goat-based options, and some people even choose to make their own (which has been the focus of many debates).
Formula may not be the most "natural" option available, but when weaning early, my personal opinion (since you asked) is that it's the best replacement option when breastmilk isn't available, until 18 months, at least.