If you’re reading this post hoping for something controversial related to breastfeeding toddlers (like this Time Magazine cover) you’re in the wrong place, sorry!
Jackson weaned himself at around 13 months. At that point, he was only nursing once a day in the morning so it was a gradual process and wasn’t a struggle for either of us. When Sidney came along 9 months later, I was curious if he would be interested in nursing again at all. He wasn’t. In fact, he called my boobs “Sidney’s milk” or “Mama’s muscles” and never even gave them a second glance. I’ve heard of toddlers wanting to start breastfeeding again when a baby sibling came along, but it wasn’t the case in our home.
Jackson breastfeeding his baby giraffe.
However, in the past month, Jackson’s interest in breastfeeding has come back. *HE* doesn’t want to breastfeed, but he wants to “feed” his stuffed animals with his “mipples.” I think it’s really sweet and I’m proud that he knows that is how (many) babies eat, but my dilemma is how do I explain that male nipples can’t feed babies? Keep in mind he is not yet 3 so I don’t want to even venture into “Pregnant Man” territory at this point in parenthood.
He wants to feed his giraffe, the dog, Sidney- what can I say, he’s a generous kid? Do I just let it go? Parents of toddlers, have you ever experienced this? What did you do? I’ve ignored it, but not sure if that’s the best way to deal with it, so thanks in advance for your advice!
I would say, “It’s really nice that you want to feed your animals, but did you know boys can’t feed their babies that way?” Then just gently explain that only mommies can feed their babies from their breasts. You might want to say that men don’t grow breasts. I would also tell him that it is perfectly okay if he wants to *pretend* to feed his animals the way mommy feeds his baby brother.
My son did the same thing! He was 4 when his sister was born and would often try to feed his baby dolls the same way mommy fed baby. We never got into the specifics though, so he would try to feed from his belly button! I say, he’s only 3 so less is more. Telling him that this is something special between a mommy and a baby should be enough of an explanation. I would also let him continue pretending. He’s going to be a great father some day! 🙂