Precious Oforiwaa Agyei 
Recently, moms have been found weaning their children too early before the convenient age at which they should be put off the breast.
Are you part of these mothers? Yes, I can relate; it is not easy, especially for working moms who struggle to balance the demands of work and breastfeeding.
But do you know that breastfeeding aids in babies’ cognitive function and healthy growth and development? It also reduces the risk of breast cancer and postpartum depression and can even aid in weight loss for moms.
Below are the critical risks associated with early weaning, emphasizing the importance of timely transitions in your baby’s diet.
Risk 1: Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the most significant concerns with weaning too early is the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Breast milk is packed with essential nutrients that are vital for your baby’s growth.
It provides proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that support the baby’s overall health. When you start breastfeeding before your baby is ready, it can negatively affect their nutritional intake. For instance, essential fatty acids found in breast milk are crucial for brain development.
Research shows that babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months tend to have better health outcomes compared to those who are weaned earlier.
Risk 2: Increased Risk of Infections and Diseases
Another significant risk associated with weaning too early is the increased likelihood of infections and diseases.
Breast milk is rich in antibodies that play a crucial role in developing your baby’s immune system. These antibodies help protect against illnesses, particularly in the early months of life.
To give your baby the best chance at a healthy start, it’s important to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible, ideally until they are ready to start eating solid foods around 6 months of age.
Risk 3: Emotional and Psychological Distress
Weaning is not just a physical transition; it’s also an emotional one. The bond between mother and baby is strengthened through breastfeeding, which fosters attachment and security.
Early weaning can disrupt this connection, leading to emotional and psychological distress. In the long term, early weaning can have lasting effects on your child’s mental health.
Studies indicate that children who experience attachment disruptions may face challenges in social relationships and emotional regulation as they grow. Therefore, it’s crucial to help your baby through this transition and ensure they feel secure.
Risk 4: Developmental Delays and Cognitive Impact
Breastfeeding has been linked to optimal brain development. The nutrients in breast milk support cognitive growth and development. Weaning too early can lead to developmental delays, particularly in areas such as language and speech.
Research has shown that children who are breastfed for longer periods often perform better in cognitive tests compared to those who were weaned early.
They are more likely to develop strong language skills and exhibit better social and emotional behaviors. Conversely, premature weaning can lead to issues such as delayed speech and challenges in social interactions.
By ensuring your baby receives the benefits of breastfeeding, you can help foster their cognitive development and support
Risk 5: Digestive Issues and Allergies
Breast milk is crucial for the development of a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in digestion.
Weaning too early can disrupt this process, leading to digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
Conditions like eczema and other skin issues can also arise from early introduction of solids. To minimize these risks, it’s essential to wait until your baby is developmentally ready to start weaning and eat solid foods.
This usually occurs around 6 months of age, when their digestive system can handle new foods more effectively.
Final Thought
Weaning too early poses numerous risks to infant health and development. From nutritional deficiencies and emotional distress to increased infections and developmental delays, the implications are far-reaching.
Timely weaning, alongside continued breastfeeding support, is essential for ensuring your baby’s well-being.
Parents and healthcare providers should work together to understand the importance of waiting until babies are truly ready to start weaning their future learning.
