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Breastfeeding
a toddler (1-2 years)
- Your child will be getting more and more nutrition from
solid foods in this period.
- Breastmilk continues to be an excellent
source of nutrition.
- The health benefits continue as
well.
- Some time in this period, you should start offering solid
foods first (before breastfeeding). Towards the end of this
period, breastmilk should be a snack rather than a main meal.
- Cow's milk is unlikely to be harmful to your baby at this
time. If you choose to use it, make sure you use whole milk. Skim
milk lacks important fat soluble nutrients, and is a poor food.
Your child needs the fat itself to grow properly as well. If you
are able and willing to nurse your child enough that cow's milk is
not needed, so much the better. Breastmilk is always a
better food than any other milk or artificial milk substitute for
a baby or young child. Remember: Human milk is for human
babies.
- It's still good to avoid honey.
- If you want, you can start nursing a little less frequently at
this time. Your child can get nutrition from other sources. While
breastfeeding is still beneficial, it is not a matter of life as
it used to be before. It is of course OK to continue to nurse
on demand as long as you're sure breastmilk is not replacing
other foods.
- At this time, you are more likely to suffer from criticism.
Many people are not comfortable with the idea of a nursing
toddler. Do not give up! See dealing
with criticism. And remember: breastfed children are happier
and healthier.
- At this time, you will start enjoying one of the most
beautiful aspects of breastfeeding: your child will continue
smiling at you. She or he may also touch your face. And, the most
delightful of all: at some point your child will start talking
about nursing, and will let you know in no uncertain terms how
much she or he appreciates what you are doing for her or him.
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