When Babies Lose Interest

I taught my baby to drink from a cup at age nine months, and within a few weeks he had completely lost interest in breastfeeding. Did I do something wrong?

Some babies do lose interest in breastfeeding between nine and twelve months of age, whether or not they learn to drink from a cup. Understand that he is not rejecting you; it’s just the first sign of your child’s growing independence.

If you wish, you can continue to express your breast milk for him to drink from a cup. His desire to feed himself “like a big boy” doesn’t mean he has to give up the valuable nutrients you provide. He may still enjoy an early-morning or late-night breastfeeding session even after he has stopped nursing during the day.