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Do babies under 12 months self-wean?

"You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass."

- Timber Hawkeye

Hey Mama! 🌼 Happy Fri-YAY! Yes, we made it—another week of juggling sippy cups and spreadsheets, all while retaining 0.1% of our sanity. Golf claps for everyone. 🎉

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • Baby quits milk: Self-weaning how-to

  • Meds with a paci? Mom-win!

  • Banana sushi: Quick, easy, delish! 🍌🍣

  • Make candles, make money!

Mom’s Field Guide

When Baby Hits the "Unsubscribe" Button: Self-Weaning 101

Is your baby suddenly not into breastfeeding anymore?

Let's talk about what it means when your little one wants to make their own food choices.

What's Self-Weaning?

Sometimes, after turning one, kids decide they don’t want to breastfeed anymore.

It's gradual and fueled by a shift towards solids and a thirst for independence.

So if your kiddo is under one year and acting like they're going on a "nursing strike," call up an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for a game plan.

  • Mom Tip: Keep a 'Feeding Journal.' Jot down when and what your baby eats. It'll help you and the IBCLC spot patterns or changes easier.

How to Know if Baby is Done

What’s the 411 on self-weaning? Your one-year-plus child might be on this path if they:

  • Prefer food that requires utensils over the boob.

  • Get excited about sippy cups.

  • Are suddenly MIA during nursing sessions or make them shorter.

  • Mom Tip: Introduce a sippy cup with a soft spout first. It’s less of a leap from breast to bottle, making the transition smoother.

Could it be a Nursing Strike?

Before you assume it's self-weaning, consider the notorious nursing strike, usually in the "over 3 months but under one year" club.

Causes? Teething, sickness, or maybe a dip in milk supply.

It’s not the same as self-weaning.

  • Mom Tip: Freeze a wet washcloth for baby to gnaw on. It can help with teething pain and might just get them back on track with nursing.

Why Do Kids Self-Wean?

Little ones get busy exploring the world. They've also discovered that solid food isn’t half bad.

Couple that with a natural dip in your milk supply and it's no wonder they're opting for quicker options like sippy cups.

Mom Tip: Make snack time learning time. Label the colors and shapes of the food. It’s a win-win: they get fed and educated!

Keeping it Going

You've got options! If you’re not ready to close down the dairy factory, consider:

  • Offering to nurse more frequently.

  • Adding a pumping sesh to boost supply.

  • Opting for a quiet and distraction-free zone.

  • Mom Tip: Use a nursing app to set reminders to breastfeed or pump, especially if you're juggling a million things (which, let’s be honest, you are).

Wrapping It Up

If your kid is acting like they’re done with breastfeeding, it’s okay.

They might be growing up and ready for new things. Whatever you choose, it’s all good!

  • Mom Tip: Capture the last few breastfeeding moments in photos or a quick video. You'll treasure this intimate chapter down memory lane.

Keep reading here.

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll

What is your biggest fear as a mom?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Poll Results From 9/13

How do you manage work-life balance?

 🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Strict scheduling (10%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Childcare/Help from family (24%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Flexible work hours (16%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I'm a stay-at-home mom (28%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Still trying to figure it out (22%)

Featured Response😄 

“I work from home so I step away from my desk to help with the kiddos (21-month-old and 7-month-old twins). Even with the help I have, I feel like you need a dedicated adult for each kid. Hoping it gets more manageable soon. ”
- Community Mom

You're doing an incredible job juggling work and caring for your little ones; hang in there, as it does get easier with time!

Mom Hack

Use this pacifier to easily give you baby medicine

Source: Amazon

Mom Hack

Here's a cool invention: a pacifier that dispenses medicine.

Administer medicine with a quick squeeze, then let the pacifier soothe your baby.

Effortless and efficient!

Mom’s Menu

Banana Sushi 🍌🍣

Remember when sushi nights were all about raw fish and romantic dates?

Say hello to kid-approved Banana Sushi!

It's the go-to snack that's as fun to make as it is to munch.

Like an art project you can eat! 🎨

Ingredients 📝

  • Bananas

  • Almond butter

  • Whipped cream cheese

  • Crushed cereal (think Cheerios or Froot Loops)

  • Rice crispy cereal

  • Chia seeds

  • Shredded coconut

  • Chopped chocolate

  • Cinnamon sugar

Instructions 👩‍🍳

  1. Slice and Dice: Cut those bananas into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces. Don't stress; perfection is not the aim here.

  2. Spread 'Em: Roll the banana pieces in almond butter or whipped cream cheese. Feeling rebellious? Do both! 😎

  3. Roll In The Goodies: Now here’s where the real fun starts. Roll your buttered or cheesed-up bananas in crushed cereal, rice crispies, chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped chocolate, or cinnamon sugar.

  4. Mix and Match: Get the kiddos involved and let them choose their own coatings. Just imagine their eyes popping when they see all these choices!

  5. Serve Immediately: These beauties are best enjoyed right away. If you must, a quick chill in the fridge can work too, but why wait?

Notes 📌

  • Feel free to add or subtract toppings based on what your little artists prefer. It's your kitchen; make your own rules!

There you have it, a snack-time hit that’s as close to Pinterest-worthy as most of us will ever get.

Banana Sushi – because turning everyday snacks into mini art projects is how we roll in this mom club. 🎉

Full recipe here.

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Not to mention one of the most unique car seats on the market, and one of my personal favorites (see here). Allowing your little one easy in, easy out.

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Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

DIY Candles (Make & Sell)

Did you know candles are not only simple to create but also a hit on Etsy?

You can customize them with your favorite scents, colors, and even containers!

How about using adorable thrifted mugs to give them a unique twist?

Your little art project could sell for a good chunk of change! (The one above goes for $38)

Young Dolph Money GIF by Worldstar Hip Hop

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This blanket is more than just a soft place for my baby to lie—it's a canvas for capturing memories.

Each month, it's so much fun to see how much my little one has grown. It's a keepsake I'll cherish long after my baby has outgrown it. 📸

  • Memories: This blanket helps you capture your baby's growth and milestones in a beautiful way.

  • Quality: It's organic and super soft, perfect for your baby's delicate skin.

  • Gift-worthy: It comes in a lovely box, making it a perfect baby shower gift.

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

Adding a small amount of sugar to an infant's bottle can help them sleep better at night.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

B) False

Reply

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