Early weaning remains a critical public health issue, especially in low-resource settings, with significant implications for child health and development. This study explores the socio-demographic, economic, and psychological factors influencing early weaning practices among mothers in Kano Municipal LGA, Nigeria. Using a combination of stratified and simple random sampling, we surveyed mothers across diverse wards to ensure balanced representation of weaning and non-weaning practices. Findings reveal a strong correlation between socio-economic hardship, inadequate living conditions, and maternal stress with early weaning decisions, despite widespread recognition of breastfeeding’s benefits. Economic pressures, insufficient family planning, and misconceptions surrounding milk supply often led mothers to substitute breastmilk with cow’s milk and porridge, contributing to stunted growth and potential reductions in leptin levels for prematurely weaned infants. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing cultural, economic, and psychological barriers to breastfeeding. Prioritizing accessible education, socio-economic support, and maternal mental health resources could improve breastfeeding adherence, ultimately enhancing child health outcomes and supporting long-term public health goals.