Night weaning may feel like a daunting transition, especially when overnight feeds have been a consistent part of your baby's sleep patterns. Whether you're ready to night wean for more consolidated night sleep or because your baby no longer needs those extra calories, this will help walk you through the process with confidence and clarity.
When Do Babies Typically Stop Needing to Eat Overnight?
Pediatricians typically advise allowing your baby to sleep through feeds arounds 3 to 4 months of age, but every baby’s growth, family goals and needs are different, but in general:
0 to 3 months: Newborns need to eat frequently, including overnight. Their stomachs are small and require frequent nourishment, and waking for feeds is biologically normal.
4 to 6 months: Some babies can start consolidating sleep and may be ready to reduce night feeds, especially if they’re gaining weight well and taking in enough calories during the day. However, majority of babies at this age still need at least one night feed.
6 to 9 months: Many babies can go 10-12 hours without feeding, depending on their growth, dietary intake, and pediatrician’s guidance. If they are eating well during the day, they may be ready to fully night wean.
9 months plus: Night feeds are often more about habit rather than nutritional necessity. Some babies continue to wake out of routine, and eliminating these feeds can encourage more consolidated nighttime sleep.
If overnight feeds work for your family, then no need to change them! YOU are in charge of your families sleep and feeding journey. If you’re unsure whether your baby still needs to eat overnight, consult your pediatrician before making changes.
Hunger or Habit: How to Tell Why Your Baby is Waking Up
Babies wake at night for many reasons, and it’s important to determine what they are communicating from a hunger standpoint. Either way, we can help with night consolidation without ignoring their hunger cues.
Hunger signs: If baby takes a full feed and is genuinely swallowing milk rather than just comfort nursing, hunger may still be a factor. They may also wake up fussing or rooting.
Habitual waking: If baby wakes at the same time every night but only takes a few sips before dozing off, it’s likely more about routine than hunger.
Other causes: Discomfort (teething, illness, gas), developmental milestones (learning to roll, crawl, or walk), and sleep associations (needing to be rocked or fed to sleep) can also contribute to night wakings.
How Long Does It Take to Night Wean?
The time it takes to night wean depends on your baby’s temperament, age, and your approach. Some babies adjust within a few nights, while others may need more time to fully transition. Factors that impact the process include:
How frequently your baby is feeding at night: If they are still feeding multiple times, the process may take longer. That being said, I have supported families from multiple feeds to no feeds in a few days.
Consistency: Sticking to a plan helps babies understand new patterns and adjust faster.
Temperament: Some babies adjust quickly, while others need more time with the pattern changes.
Is Cold Turkey the Best (and Only) Option?
Not necessarily! There are different methods to night wean, and the best approach depends on your baby’s needs and your comfort level.
Option 1: Gradual Night Weaning
A gradual approach is an option for a family to transition. Here’s how to do it:
Reduce ounces/time per feed: If bottle-feeding, gradually decrease the amount of milk every few days. If nursing, shorten each feeding session every few days.
Stretch time between feeds: Slowly increase the time between feeds to encourage longer sleep stretches.
Offer extra daytime calories: Ensure adequate calories during the day to help sustain overnight. A couple of options is to spread one bottle (add an few ounces to each bottle) or full nursing session (add a few minutes each session) across all the feeds or add in one additional feed or nursing session within the day.
Replace feeds with comfort: If your baby wakes at night, provide reassurance through touch, shushing, or a pacifier instead of feeding.
Adjust gradually: Drop one feeding at a time, giving your baby time to adjust before eliminating the next one.
Cold Turkey Night Weaning
An alternative for your family is to stop night feeds all at once, especially if they are older and no longer need the nutrition overnight. This method can work if you replace night feeds with other soothing techniques. Prior to removing feeds, we may want to add in another soothing tool such as patting while feeding so that when they wake they have another way to fall asleep. This is a big pattern change and will require consistency, time and incorporating soothing tools to help change the pattern.
If choosing cold turkey:
Ensure your baby is eating enough during the day.
Offer reassurance while consistent about not feeding.
Be prepared for the first few nights being a bit tough as the pattern is changing.
Breaking the Feed-to-Sleep Cycle
If feeding to sleep is our typical routine, changing this pattern can make night weaning smoother:
Shift the last feed earlier: Move the bedtime feed to before the bedtime routine rather than right before sleep. An option is before bath or before books.
Introduce a new sleep cue: Use rocking, patting, a comfort item (if age-appropriate), or a song to signal sleep time.
Encourage self-settling: Allow your baby to practice falling asleep without feeding.
Use a consistent bedtime routine: A predictable routine helps babies feel secure and understand that sleep is coming.
Tips for Night Weaning Toddlers
Night weaning a toddler can be different from night weaning a baby because of their time with the sleep association and emotional attachment to feeds.
Couple of options:
Prepare them: Talk to your toddler about the change. Use simple phrases like, “Milk went night night or bye bye until the morning”.
Offer comfort in other ways: Cuddles, back rubs, or a favorite stuffed animal can help ease the transition.
Use a reward system: Some toddlers respond well to a sticker chart or small rewards for sleeping through the night without nursing or a bottle.
Offer a bedtime snack: A small, protein-rich snack before bed can help keep them full overnight. Recommend keeping this before the routine starts or earlier in the routine.
Stay consistent: Toddlers may have strong feelings about the change, but sticking to a plan will help them adapt faster.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with a plan, night weaning can come with challenges. Here’s how to handle common hurdles:
Crying and protesting: Some resistance is normal. Offer comfort without offering the feeds if they’re no longer needed.
Temporary setbacks: Illness, teething, or travel can cause temporary regressions. Stay as consistent as possible and return to your plan once things stabilize.
Waking early: If your baby or toddler wakes early after night weaning, ensure they are getting enough daytime calories and check their sleep schedule.
Night weaning is a personal decision and should be done in a way that works best for your family. Whether you take a gradual approach or go cold turkey, consistency and reassurance will make the process smoother for both you and your baby. If you need extra support, you don’t have to navigate night weaning alone! Book a complimentary Discovery Call to get one on one guidance tailored to your baby’s sleep needs.
Sleep well!
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