Are you worried about how or when to stop night feedings?
Are you worried about how or when to stop night feedings?
As a Norland nanny, sleep consultant, and mummy myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate night feedings and sleep training. Let's talk about night weaning, including when to stop night feeds, how to stop feeding at night, and whether night weaning and sleep training can happen together.
Expert Tip: Every baby has unique feeding needs. Please ensure you discuss any night weaning plan with your paediatrician to ensure it’s suitable for your baby.
How do I know when to stop night feeds?
Most doctors will agree that you can stop intentionally waking your baby for night feedings around 3-4 months, provided they are showing stable weight gain and staying on their growth curve. However, some babies may still need a feed during the night until closer to 9 months.
If you're unsure whether your baby still needs night feeds, this is a great topic to discuss with your paediatrician.
Whether you're looking to reduce night feedings or establish a better sleep routine for your little one, I offer 1-1 support to guide you through the process, tailoring the approach to your baby’s unique needs and your family’s situation.
Will my baby naturally stop eating at night?
It’s possible. Some babies naturally stop eating at night, while others may need a little support to make the transition.
Important Note: For babies 3 months and younger who are staying on their growth curve, you can allow one longer stretch of sleep during the night, typically no longer than their age in weeks plus one hour. For example, if your baby is 4 weeks old, you can let them sleep for 5 hours after their last feed before waking them. After this longer stretch, continue offering feeds every 2-3 hours based on hunger cues.
How can I tell if my baby is waking from hunger or habit at night?
This is a common question from parents as they navigate night weaning. The good news is, whether your baby is waking from hunger or habit, you can work towards more consolidated night sleep while still responding to their hunger cues.
The key is to use a gradual night weaning approach and help your baby develop independent sleep skills. This allows them to transition most of their calories to daytime feeds and fall asleep and back to sleep on their own without needing a feed.
Can I do night weaning and sleep training at the same time?
Yes! In fact, most babies who are developmentally ready for sleep training are also ready to reduce or wean their night-time feedings. With my 1-1 support, I can guide you through how to balance both, ensuring that your baby’s sleep needs are met while you work on night weaning in a way that feels right for your family.
How long does night weaning take?
Night weaning can take anywhere from a few nights to several weeks, depending on your baby’s unique needs. The process is gradual, and with tailored 1-1 support, I help you manage this transition in a way that works for you and your baby.
Do you ever recommend night weaning cold turkey?
There are specific scenarios where night weaning cold turkey may be appropriate, such as if your child is over 12 months or not eating much during night feedings. I provide bespoke advice for families based on individual circumstances, helping you make the best decision for your child’s sleep needs.
Will my milk supply decrease when my baby sleeps through the night?
Most likely, your milk supply will not decrease. The gradual night weaning methods I recommend are designed to support both you and your baby, with your body naturally regulating to meet your baby’s needs as feedings transition from night to day.
If you’re concerned about your milk supply, adding a pumping session before bed can help. If needed, try a second session between 3:00 and 5:00 am for a short time to help your body adjust.
If you need more help with lactation, I have access to specialists who can provide additional guidance.
How can I break a feeding-to-sleep association?
Breaking the feeding-to-sleep association can feel challenging, but it's possible. The key is creating space between feeding and sleep as much as possible. Here’s how:
Feeding: Make it the very first step in the bedtime routine, even before the bath if necessary.
Environment: Keep the lights on, sound machine off, and provide stimulation during the feed to prevent your baby from associating feeding with sleep.
Keep your baby awake: Encourage them to stay awake during the feed to help create a separation between feeding and sleep.
If feeding to sleep is the only way you can get your baby down for naps or bedtime, I can help! With 1-1 support, I will work with you to gently guide your baby to fall asleep independently while addressing your unique situation.
My 2-year-old still wakes up at night for milk. How do I stop feeding a 2-year-old at night?
If your toddler is waking at night for milk, here are some strategies to help:
Prioritise daytime calories: Make sure your toddler is getting enough calories during the day. This is especially important for busy toddlers who might skip meals in favour of play.
Offer a bedtime snack: A small but filling snack before the bedtime routine can help prevent night wakings due to hunger.
Replace milk with water: If your toddler wakes for a feed, offer water instead. Let them know about this change during the bedtime routine.
Introduce a lovey: If your toddler seeks comfort from night feedings, a soft toy or lovey can help them feel secure without needing a feed.
Try sleep training: If you're finding it challenging to drop the night feed, I offer bespoke 1-1 support to help you tackle this issue in a way that works for your family.
How do I night wean?
If you're ready to reduce or stop your baby's night feedings, here are the three key things to focus on:
Make sure it’s the right time: Get approval from your paediatrician to ensure that night weaning is appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage.
Gradually shift calories from night to day: Prioritise full feeds during the day and gradually reduce the amount of milk offered at night.
Teach independent sleep skills: Simply shifting calories may not resolve night waking on its own. Through tailored 1-1 support, I can help you teach your baby to fall asleep independently and support the transition to more consolidated sleep.
Let’s Chat
If you’d like to learn more or talk through your baby’s sleep and settling challenges, I offer a free, no-obligation call. It’s a chance to share what’s happening and explore how I can support you and your family. Click here to book your free call today!
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