Weaning: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaning
[ ˈwiːnɪŋ ]
child development
Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant or young child to what will become their adult diet while withdrawing the use of breast milk or formula. This transition can take place over a period of weeks or months and may be prompted by the child's readiness or parental choice.
Synonyms
reduction, removal, transition
Examples of usage
- The weaning process can be challenging for both mother and baby.
- Experts recommend starting weaning at around six months.
- Weaning can help children develop a taste for solid foods.
child care
To wean means to gradually introduce someone to a different diet, often referring to the process of changing a baby from breastfeeding to eating solid foods. It involves decreasing dependency on breast milk or formula while increasing the variety of foods consumed.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She decided to wean her baby after he turned one.
- They began to wean him off the bottle as he started to eat more solids.
- Weaning can sometimes lead to changes in a child's eating habits.
Etymology
The term 'weaning' originates from the Old English word 'wēn', which means 'to take care of, to raise, to foster'. Historically, weaning referred to the act of raising a child from infancy to a stage where they can consume adult food. The evolution of child-rearing practices over centuries has influenced the methods and timings of weaning. Traditionally, weaning was a significant milestone, often marked by ceremonies or special family gatherings, as it indicated a shift in a child's dependency on the mother. The process goes beyond just nutrition; it involves emotional adjustments and the development of independence in the child. In contemporary contexts, weaning considerations include the nutritional adequacy of the new diet, the psychological impacts on both the infant and mother, and the cultural practices surrounding feeding infants.