Creating the right atmosphere can play a large role in the success of weaning. Potential distractions should be eliminated. Parents or caregivers are urged to remain patient, as it usually takes longer for a child to finish a meal of solid foods than to finish a meal of breast milk or formula. Children are likely to play with solid foods, which is normal and should not be discouraged.

Weaning is often a period of emotional adjustment for parents and children, particularly when a child has been breastfed. Children who struggle to make the emotional transition from breastfeeding to solid foods may benefit by participating in a fun activity during times when they would normally breastfeed. In addition, they may adjust better if weaning is attempted at a point when they have no significant outside stresses in their lives, such as starting at a new childcare facility.

Children who are adjusting to weaning sometimes begin to suck their thumb or to engage in a similar habit. Such habits are comforting to the child and should not be discouraged during this time of transition.

Mothers who breastfeed may also find weaning to be a time of transition, particularly in terms of emotion. Mothers are urged to think about the positive aspects of weaning a breastfed child – not only does it signal a major milestone in the baby’s maturation process, but it can also give the mother increased freedom and flexibility.