There is no need to wean, but also no need to feed anything other than breast-milk. Nature made no mistake. Many babies breast-feed exclusively are not interested in anything else for a couple of "YEARS" not months. That's best for them.

In addition, to help your son become self-directed, let him decide when to start eating. It is his choice. It is best not to spoon feed at all. Let your baby be with you when you eat. When he is interested and reaches out to try food with his own hand and his own volition, let him try safe and healthy raw foods that do not require spoon feeding. Feeding babies is an artificial and needless way of replacing breast-milk.  Just like you don't "walk" him when he can't walk, there is no need to spoon feed before he can feed himself. But he can feed himself if you put food on his tray and he tries it on his own. He will spit it anyway. He needs only mother's milk.

Truly, your son will grow healthfully and intelligently on breast-milk alone and that's best. And he knows when to eat and the timing is up to him, when he can, on his own. I know this is not the usual mainstream thinking. But consider it. I raised three boys this way and I have counseled thousands with great results of independent children and healthy eaters. If your wife needs to replace breastfeeding or part of it, go for raw milk, the closest to the breast-milk. Humans thrive on milk for the first few years.

I hope this is not only jarring but also mind opening and helpful. Enjoy your baby and don't try to control when he weans. Nature knows best. The baby knows.
                                                        Naomi Aldort Ph.D. Author of Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves