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Is your little one waking for a feed one or more times at night, and you're wondering when and how you can stop this so they can sleep through until morning? In this blog, we'll discuss when is an appropriate time to start and helpful tips to successfully wean.
Understanding when to start night weaning
Before they are four months old, babies generally need frequent feeds at night due to their small tummies and rapid growth. This often means parents are up several times during the night to meet their baby's needs. During this period, you can choose to schedule feeds or follow an on-demand approach, depending on your baby’s cues and your preference. I know how exhausting the first few weeks with a newborn can be. The unpredictability, the frequent waking and feeding, the inconsistent nap lengths ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours — all of it can be overwhelming when you're in your fourth trimester. But there's good news, you can start building a sleep foundation to encourage longer stretches. My 0 - 3 month sleep guide might be a great resource to help you navigate these early stages
Starting at four months, babies are capable of sleeping 10-12 hours at night, although they may still need one night feed. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and some might continue to wake for a feed, while others can sleep through without a feed.
By six months, babies can sleep through the night without any night feeds or need assistance back to sleep, assuming they are consuming enough calories during the day.
If you're considering making changes to your little one's feeds, always consult with your general practitioner or maternal health care nurse to get their approval and discuss whether it's the right time to wean from night feeds. Some babies or toddlers who don't eat enough during the day may still need a night feed to ensure they are consuming enough over a 24-hour period.
When can you expect them to stop night feeds by themself naturally?
The age at which babies naturally stop needing night feeds varies. Some babies might naturally wean themselves off night feeds for various reasons. However, this isn't how it is for all babies or toddlers, for some, night feeds become a habit that evolves over time when it's constantly reinforced.
In cases where night feeds have become a habit, it's important to have a plan in place when you're ready to help them wean those feeds. This might involve gradually reducing the number of night feeds or finding alternative ways for them to fall back to sleep without feeding.
Is it habit or hunger?
When your baby wakes up for a night feed, it can be hard to tell whether they're truly hungry or if it's just a habit. A good indicator is the length of the feed. If the feed is brief or feels more like a quick snack, it's likely a habit and part of a "feed-to-sleep" association. In these cases, the baby is using the feeding process to help them fall back asleep rather than satisfying their hunger.
However, even babies who seem only half-awake can consume an entire bottle, which can make it tricky to distinguish between habit and hunger. The best approach to night weaning in these situations is to gradually reduce the night feeds while also working on breaking the "feed-to-sleep" association. This might involve helping them fall asleep without assistance.
As you gradually wean the night feeds, gradually increase their daytime feeds; this could mean adding an extra milk feed, snack, or full meal during the day. This way, you're addressing both the habit and the hunger.
What if it's a feed-to-sleep association?
Does your baby fall asleep while feeding? If so, they might have a "feed-to-sleep" association, meaning they often need to be fed to fall asleep. If they wake during the night, they may require the same process to get back to sleep. In contrast, a baby who falls asleep without assistance is more likely to resettle on their own when they wake up during the night.
To break this association, you'll need to help your baby learn to sleep independently. My 4-24 month sleep guide offers a structured plan to guide you through this transition, using responsive approaches when it's time for them to learn how to sleep on their own. The guide addresses several factors that can impact their ability to sleep independently. For instance, a helpful strategy is to create a separation between feeding and sleep. You can do this by changing the order of the bedtime routine, feeding earlier and ensuring they are fully awake during the feed or that they don't fall asleep before being placed in their cot.
It can be difficult sometimes to make these changes, which is why I offer more in-depth support through my sleep plans. With these plans, you'll receive one-on-one guidance from me, which also includes the sleep guide.
Should I cut night feeds cold turkey?
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it's crucial to ensure you're not ignoring their genuine hunger cues. Cutting feeds abruptly can lead to discomfort for your baby if they're actually waking up hungry, and it's not a recommended approach if you're breastfeeding, as it could affect your milk supply or lead to blocked ducts or worse, mastitis.
Sometimes, it's okay to cut night feeds cold turkey, but this depends on several factors, including your baby's age, how many night feeds they currently have, and the duration of those feeds. Cold turkey might work if they are having only small, broken feeds or a single short feed at night. This approach could also be suitable if they're over one years old, eating well during the day, and you know they're not waking up because they're hungry.
Common questions when it comes to night weaning
Can you wean when breastfeeding?
Yes, of course you can! If you choose the cold turkey approach while breastfeeding, you might need to wake up and express milk, gradually reducing the amount each night to prevent engorgement and maintain a healthy milk supply. Otherwise, you'd gradually need to wean, reducing the duration of the feed each night.
How long will it take for them to be weaned?
The time it takes to wean your baby from night feeds varies from child to child. Some babies adapt quickly and might be weaned in just a few nights, while others may take longer to adjust.
Should I replace their feed with another comforting way?
When you replace feeding with other forms of comfort, such as rocking, patting, or similar methods, you're essentially swapping one habit for another. If your baby is over one year old, you could offer a comforter, like a soft toy. Another strategy is to replace their milk with water during these night wakes. Sometimes, it's not the milk they're seeking, but the comfort that comes with the bottle or nursing. By offering water, you can gradually reduce their reliance on night feeds while still providing the comfort they need.
Transitioning to night weaning can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help your baby sleep through the night. Remember, each baby is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. If you're looking for more support and guidance. If you need some help I have the tools and resources to help you. I have guides and optional plans that can give you the one-on-one support you need. If you're interested in scheduling a phone consultation to discuss a plan, we can schedule that here.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding your baby's health and well-being, Babee Dreams does not give medical advice.
Written by Alexandra Selekos I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.