Breastfeeding - 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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