Key takeaways: The AAP supports continued breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond, as long as mother and child want, and the WHO recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond. Breast milk continues to provide nutrition and immune benefits after age 1. Toddlers eat a full diet of foods alongside breastfeeding. There’s no set age when you must stop.
Many families continue breastfeeding past the first birthday. Here’s what major health organizations say and what to expect.
What the Guidelines Say
- AAP (2022): recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods as long as mutually desired for 2 years or beyond.
- WHO: recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Benefits for Your Child
- Nutrition: breast milk continues to provide protein, fat, vitamins, and other nutrients.
- Immune protection: antibodies continue to be present in milk.
- Comfort: nursing can soothe a toddler during illness, injury, or stress.
Benefits for You
Longer total breastfeeding is linked to lower risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, according to large reviews.
How Nursing Changes
- Food becomes the main source of nutrition after age 1.
- Nursing sessions may be shorter or less frequent.
- Toddlers can learn limits, like nursing only at home or at certain times.
- Nursing gymnastics are common!
Dental Health
Breastfeeding isn’t thought to cause cavities on its own, but sugary foods combined with frequent feeding may raise risk. Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and see a dentist by age 1.
Handling Questions
- You can share that the AAP and WHO support it.
- Or just say, “It works for us.”
Weaning When Ready
Weaning can happen gradually, by dropping one feed at a time. Many children wean themselves between ages 2 and 4. There’s no right age.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding beyond a year is supported by major health organizations and offers benefits. Continue as long as it works for you and your child.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Meek JY, Noble L; Section on Breastfeeding. Policy statement: breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057988.
- World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding fact sheet. https://www.who.int
- Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJD, et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016;387(10017):475-490.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on early childhood caries. https://www.aapd.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
