When to Call a Doctor

Talk to your child's doctor about weaning if:

• Your baby refuses all solid food and is older than 6 to 8 months of age.
• Your baby has changed from sleeping through the night to waking up during the night hungry.
• Your baby develops dental cavities (caries).
• Your baby seems overweight for his or her age, size, or birth weight.
• Your toddler (1 to 2 years old) focuses on breast- or bottle-feeding and does not play with other children.
• Your toddler never wants to be away from you.
• Your baby is older than 18 months of age and is still drinking from a bottle.
• You are emotionally ready to wean your baby.

Who to see

Health professionals who can deal with your concerns about weaning include:

• Pediatricians.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Physician assistants with special training in the care of children.
• Pediatric or family nurse practitioners.
• Certified lactation consultants. Lactation consultants are sometimes on staff at hospitals.

Routine Checkups

A well-baby checkup is a good time to ask questions about weaning. During this checkup, your baby's doctor will:

• Compare the baby's current weight, height, and head size with measurements taken at birth to see if the rate of growth is normal.
• Ask how well the baby is eating and sleeping and whether any problems have developed.