Patient's question:
The child has been crying non-stop recently and isn't eating much. Could you please explain why it's not advisable to wean the child in the winter?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Before weaning, it is important to prepare properly. It should start with gradually increasing complementary foods and should not be done abruptly. Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions while gradually increasing the frequency and amount of complementary foods until breastfeeding is completely stopped. During weaning, the child may cry, show signs of adjustment, and it is important to provide more comfort or offer toys, stories, and other activities to help the child overcome the need for sucking. Avoid sudden, forceful refusal of breastfeeding or applying substances like chili peppers or huanglian to the nipple, as this can cause strong discomfort during sucking, leading to the child being unable to adapt to the sudden change in diet. This may result in multiple days of crying, lethargy, refusal to eat, weakness, and weight loss, affecting their development and potentially causing illness. Before weaning the child, it is essential to lay a solid foundation and gradually change the child's diet to help them develop a habit of eating complementary foods.