The Shocking Truth About Nursing Toddlers and Preschoolers – Debunked!

You know, there really isn’t a “perfect” age to stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler. Every mom and little one are different. What’s important to remember is that the health benefits of breastfeeding don’t suddenly stop after the first year — they keep going for as long as you and your child continue your breastfeeding journey.

When it comes to breastfeeding older children, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child and family is different, and continuing to nurse past infancy can bring surprising benefits for both mom and child.

Should Breastfeeding Continue Over the Age of Two?

A lot of moms feel pressured to wean their babies at six months, mostly because of what society thinks about breastfeeding older children.

Some people look at breasts and see them as sexual, but really, they’re natural, amazing parts of a woman’s body — made to nourish and feed a child.

The health benefits of breastfeeding your baby or toddler don’t just stop after infancy, so there’s no reason you can’t keep going if it works for you.

Remember, your little one is a toddler from about 13 months to three years old, and in many parts of the world, kids are naturally weaned around four years. Bottom line? There’s no perfect or “right” time to stop breastfeeding — it’s all about what feels right for you and your child.

The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

• It’s super convenient: You don’t have to rush your baby or toddler to wean before they’re ready. You go at their pace, not anyone else’s.
• It’s calming: We all know about the “terrible twos,” right? I swear, in my house it felt like it lasted a whole year! Breastfeeding your toddler can be a simple way to soothe them when they’re overwhelmed, upset, or just need a little extra comfort.
• Immune protection: When you continue nursing a toddler, you’re still passing along important immune defenses. This helps protect them from illnesses and keeps their body strong for years to come.
• Extra nutrition: Some days toddlers don’t eat enough, especially if they’re sick. Breastfeeding older children makes sure they’re still getting essential nutrients — and it’s free!
• Brain and motor development: Studies show that breastfed toddlers often have higher IQs and faster motor skill development compared to kids who were only breastfed for a few months.
• Better behavior long-term: A New Zealand study found that children who were breastfed beyond their first year showed fewer behavioral problems between ages six and eight.

How Does Extended Breastfeeding Help Mom?

Long-term health benefits: Breastfeeding older children can protect you in the long run. Studies show it may lower your risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer, and it can also help reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight management: Some moms notice it’s harder to lose weight while breastfeeding, while others find that prolonged nursing actually helps them shed pounds more easily. Everybody is different!

Dr. Bill Sears – Breastfeeding Older Children

Breastmilk Composition

Even after your baby turns six months, breast milk is still perfectly designed for them. It has the right balance of protein, fat, and other nutrients that are just right for breastfeeding older children.

When you continue nursing a toddler, they’re getting higher amounts of immune-boosting factors that help protect against allergies and illnesses. Breast milk also continues to support the development of their gut, brain, and other important organs — helping them grow strong and healthy.

The Challenges of Breastfeeding a Toddler

Breastfeeding a toddler isn’t always easy — sometimes they want to nurse at the most inconvenient times or even start undressing you in public!

You might also face criticism or judgment from family, friends, and strangers who don’t understand why you’re continuing to nurse. The best thing you can do is connect with other moms who are on the same journey — having a supportive community makes a huge difference.

Gradually Transitioning from the Breast

When it’s time to wean, it’s best to let it happen gradually and at your toddler’s own pace. Research shows that most children naturally wean between ages 3 and 4. So really, there’s no rush — let nature take its course. Don’t feel pressured by anyone else to stop breastfeeding. Do what feels right for you and your little one.

What’s the Oldest a Child Has Been Breastfed?

Believe it or not, the oldest known child to be breastfed was Charlotte Spink. Her mom, Sharon Spink, who has four children, says that nursing Charlotte up until just before her tenth birthday was completely normal for them — and it helped build a strong, lifelong bond between them.

Is 7 Years Old Too Old to Breastfeed?

You might wonder if it’s “too old” to keep nursing. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) both say that while solid foods should start around six months, breastfeeding can continue for two years or even longer. There’s really no set age to stop — it all depends on you and your child.

Let’s bust some myths here:

• Myth #1: Breastfeeding older kids is weird or unhealthy. Nope! Your child is still benefiting from immune protection, nutrition, and comfort.
• Myth #2: Kids will never wean naturally if you keep breastfeeding. Most children eventually wean on their own — usually between 3 and 4 years, but some go longer, and that’s perfectly normal.
• Myth #3: Extended breastfeeding harms development. Actually, studies show toddlers who are breastfed longer often have better emotional regulation and even cognitive benefits.

So if anyone gives you side-eye, just remember: continued breastfeeding is natural, normal, and beneficial — and you and your toddler are doing exactly what’s best for your family.

How Long Can Women Produce Milk?

You might be surprised, but a woman’s body is capable of producing breast milk for a very long time. If a woman stops expressing milk, lactation may pause until she becomes pregnant again. But medical experts note that as long as there’s a demand, some women can produce milk for decades — 20, 30 years, or even longer!

From a medical perspective, there’s really no reason a woman can’t keep lactating indefinitely. Some moms even practice tandem feeding, nursing more than one child at the same time. In fact, in theory, some women could nourish multiple children simultaneously — up to five! So, all those old myths about “too old to breastfeed”? Totally debunked.

Resources

Timesofindia – Cognitive and Developmental benefits

Parents.com – The benefits of extended nursing

Have you breastfed your toddler or preschooler? We’d love to hear about your experience and your thoughts on breastfeeding older children.

Featured Comments

Tired of the Pressure

by Charlisa Riley (South Carolina)

“I am still breastfeeding my 21-month-old. Every time I’m at my parent’s home, and my daughter wants to nurse, he is always saying things to discourage me or her…it’s becoming annoying, and I feel no one should have a problem with it.

Sometimes I want to yell, “Dad, please, it’s a natural thing, and she will wean when she’s ready!” How do you deal with criticism?”

Re: You’re doing great!

By: Katelin Granados

“You are doing something amazing for your child! Do not become discouraged whatsoever! Take advantage of being the only one who can provide breast milk to your daughter. Maybe try to educate your family on the incredible benefits breast milk has. Even the formula cans read, “Experts agree breastfeeding is best” Good job, girl!! Keep it up and keep going!”

Re: Still nursing

By: Anonymous

“Still nursing my almost two years old also. Good job on keeping up with your beliefs. No one can share the bond between you and your baby. Just educate others. You’re not alone.”