When and how can babies get through the milk aversion period?

My baby was drinking milk normally before, but suddenly he is unwilling to drink milk. Is this the so-called milk aversion period? What should I do when my baby develops aversion to breast milk or formula milk, the food he relies on for survival?

A mother once described it this way: asking a baby to drink milk is like fighting with him. The growth process of a baby is like facing various tests for parents.

When is the weaning period?

Generally, milk aversion occurs when the baby is 4 to 6 months old, but some babies may start to abstain from milk as early as 2 to 3 months old. Each milk aversion period will last from one week to half a month. When the baby is 2 to 3 months old, because the muscle tension, vision and hearing are getting better and better, he will begin to feel novel about the things around him, especially bright colors and high-frequency tones, which will distract him from eating. When the baby starts to abstain from milk, it actually means that the baby has grown up.

Symptoms of milk withdrawal

The baby is energetic and active, but often turns his head away when feeding, or always pushes out the nipple or pacifier with his tongue, or is unwilling to swallow and lets the milk flow out.

How to survive the milk aversion period

Don't force milk

Forcing your baby to drink milk may make him or her fear of eating and even more disgusted with milk.

Timed small amount method

Babies who are tired of feeding usually eat less than one-third to one-half of their normal amount. Parents should still maintain their original feeding habits. Keep the feeding time and length fixed, and do not extend the feeding time just because the baby refuses to eat.

Fixed feeding times and avoiding feeding at unaccustomed times can help your baby adjust his feeding pace. If your baby eats too little, you can increase the amount of milk according to his needs during the next feeding.

Increase activity

Babies will be awake for longer and longer periods of time during the day. Parents can spend more time with their babies while they are awake, playing games, singing, talking, performing infant massage and other activities to help them burn off their energy, increase their hunger and improve their eating habits.

Ensure a comfortable environment

When feeding, choose soft lighting, appropriate temperature, and play some gentle music to create a comfortable feeding environment. Avoid sounds or audio that attract the baby's attention so that the baby can concentrate on drinking milk and not be distracted by wanting to play and unwilling to drink milk.

Tips

Some scholars believe that the earlier a baby starts to dislike milk, the smarter he is and the more curious he is about changes in his environment. Therefore, if the baby does not show any signs of discomfort and is active, parents do not need to worry too much. They should relax and face the baby's dislike period with a relaxed and natural attitude. Do not engage in a painful and confrontational fight with the baby for milk.