How to wean a baby from breastfeeding? The preferred (and suggested) method of choice for mothers who went through it and who are considering weaning would be gradual - a slow but sure way of making the transition from breast to bottle an easy one. Not only that. It also benefits the mother as there would less of the dreaded breast engorgement.

Now, society dictates that babies should be weaned at a certain age. Yet, this is not always the case as changes differ from baby to baby. Some may take longer, others may wean as soon as their sensory faculties start working full-time. But pressure from society confuses a mother, sometimes even clouding her better judgment if she needs to wean from breastfeeding.

Sometimes, there are reasons why mothers choose to wean from breast to bottle. Most of the time, mothers let go of breastfeeding because of medical reasons, like having breast cancer or an abscess right after giving birth. Others feel that the reason their baby is crying because he's not getting enough milk.

Give new food one solid at a time. This will not only help the child adjust to the taste and texture of new foods; this will also help you in identifying what food he likes or dislikes. Also, this will give you a chance to observe if your baby is enjoying the food normally, or if he is exhibiting any sign of allergies or problems. Avoid eggs, shellfish and cows milk if the child is below 12 months. Give him small amounts of food first, gradually increasing the quantity over the next few feedings.

Weaning a baby from breastfeeding may also mean that you need to make a list of things baby needs before eating. Also, you would need to check if your baby can sit straight with or without support, hold his head upright, the emergence of teeth, if he imitates you while you or someone else is eating, and if he is curious enough to grab your food.

Give him a snack. Instead of a nursing session, give him a snack instead. You can give him some juice. If he's already big enough to chew, you can give him baby cookies. You can also give him some cereal or some mashed fruits. Either way, let your imagination and creativity show as you think up of new ways to feed baby.

Teeth. This is one of the first signs mothers take when they wean their children into solids. The mouth, teeth and tongue develops at the same time that his digestive system is starting to develop. The appearance of more teeth automatically prompts the baby to imitate a chewing motion. Baby will also less likely drool during this phase because he is now learning to swallow efficiently, signaling that he can possibly be given solids now.

Introduce new food by using the 4-day rule. Refrain from introducing new food once you've started on a new one. Wait for 4 days. This is to check if your baby will develop any allergies or rashes from a particular food. If that happens, discontinue the food immediately. It is recommended to go back to cereal for a day or 2 before introducing new food again.

Read about Baby Care and also read about Baby Feeding Bottles and Night Weaning