Weaning isn’t a clear-cut process, it’s more of a slow transition. And honestly, it’s not always easy, especially when nursing is so tied to falling asleep.

What helped me with my first daughter, and what I’m now doing again with my second, are small rituals I already build in while nursing, so they can stay even when the breast is no longer there.

I’ve put together a short list of 3 rituals I want to share with you.

One thing that really helps is starting these long before weaning. I like to think I have a plan, but let’s be real… they’re the ones in charge anyway. These rituals just need time, so your baby can get used to them.

There are babies who just let go of the breast on their own, real unicorns! Mine are not like that, more like little milk junkies, so no, it’s not easy over here.

Our 3 winner rituals:

1. Lavender pillow spray

In the evening I spray a bit of lavender on the pillow. Yes, the scent is calming, but honestly the ritual matters even more. It’s the same every night, it signals that it’s time to wind down. I already do this while nursing. We use this one from Primavera, the “Schlafwohl” pillow spray.

2. Finding what feels good for my baby

I tried a few things, stroking the head, humming, gentle tapping. In the end it became clear, my baby loves having her back scratched, just like my older daughter did.

Not always, but often I can really see her relax and go still. It’s a bit of trial and error.

3. Talking through the day

While nursing to sleep, I quietly talk through our day, very simply, what we did, step by step. It’s surprisingly calming, for both of us.

Weaning books for toddlers

When they’re a bit older, books about weaning can also help. Reading itself is already a calming ritual, even if it doesn’t always work. My first loved it, my second doesn’t sit still for more than two minutes! but when it works, it’s really lovely.

Some weaning books for toddlers I like, including the one I wrote ;)

• Liebe und Geborgenheit: Eine Geschichte über das Abstillen (in German)

• Luka's Reise: Eine Geschichte über das Abstillen (in German)

👉🏼 MY BOOK HERE 😉:

• Ula and Mrs. Boob: a magical weaning story (in English and German)

  
  

I wrote and illustrated this weaning book from my own experience. When I went through it, I realized there are so many books about bottles and pacifiers, but barely any about breastfeeding and weaning!

So I wanted to create a gentle children’s book about weaning, something simple and loving that supports both baby and mom through this transition.

The idea is that these rituals stay, even without the breast.

I’m not an expert, just a mom who has tried a lot of things already Roberta

All recommendations and links shared here are not paid or sponsored. They are simply personal recommendations based on my own experience.