Night weaning can be one of the more difficult and drawn-out parts of the overall weaning process, so some parents choose to put it off until they absolutely need to.
Night weaning can be as gentle or abrupt as you’d like. Just like weaning itself, the timing of when to start night weaning is completely up to you. You can do it gradually over several months, or almost overnight.
We understand that night weaning can be challenging, and we don’t want to upset the apple cart too much for those of you who are happy breastfeeding at night. So if you’re content with breastfeeding at night, that’s great. Keep doing what works for you.
But if you’re still here, looking for answers or seeking some ideas on gentle approaches to night weaning, this is the right post for you.
What Is Night Weaning?
When we talk about night weaning, we’re referring to the idea of stopping or reducing breastfeeding during your baby’s nighttime sleep. For some families, that means never nursing again once the sun goes down. For others, it’s gradually getting the baby to accept fewer breastfeeds at night until they sleep through or nearly through the night.
When Should You Start Night Weaning?
Parents start night weaning for various reasons. In some cases, life events or external factors (such as a parent needing to return to work) force them to night wean, even if they’re not 100% ready. More often, parents choose to night wean to improve their sleep or to fit their other baby-care goals. In most cases, the decision of when to start night weaning is entirely up to you.
Here are some of the most common signs that it may be a good time to consider starting the process:
Your Baby Is Old Enough
Is your baby old enough to start night weaning? Many experts believe that 6 months is the earliest babies can be expected to sleep for longer stretches without needing to breastfeed. Of course, every baby is different, so if your baby is younger, you may still want to start the process. However, many babies are not ready to night wean until they are a little older—closer to 9 to 12 months.
Your Baby Is Eating Solids
Does your baby get most of their nutrition from meals and snacks during the day? If so, your baby might not need nighttime feedings. That said, some babies will continue to need the security and comfort of a nighttime breastfeeding session long after they are getting all of their nutrition from daytime feedings.
You Want Better Sleep
Do you need better sleep? Are you struggling to get through the day because you’re so tired from interrupted nights? If you’re desperate for more sleep—or a full night of sleep—you might be ready to start night weaning. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the process itself may mean a few rough nights as you and your baby adjust to the change. So, make sure you’re in a good place, health- and stress-wise, before starting.
Your Baby Shows Interest
Do you suspect your baby might be ready for night weaning? As babies get older, they may naturally begin to drop nighttime breastfeeding sessions. So, if you’re seeing signs that your baby is ready to skip nighttime feedings, that might be your cue to begin the process.
Related: 9 Benefits of Continuing Breastfeeding for an Extended Period
Tips for Night Weaning from Breastfeeding
If you’re unsure how to night wean your baby, check out the tips and step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Create a Bedtime Routine
Establish a consistent bedtime routine before you even start the process. Bedtime routines are comforting for babies, and they help them wind down for the night and settle to sleep more easily without needing to nurse. A good routine might include soothing activities like a bath, reading a quiet book, singing a lullaby, and cuddling before bed.
Related: How To Create a Bedtime Routine for Your Toddler
Step 2: Reduce Breastfeeding at Night
Slow and steady is the name of the game. Try not to eliminate more than one nighttime breastfeeding session in a single night. Start by reducing the length of time you breastfeed during the night until you gradually stop.
Step 3: Try Other Comforting Techniques
The most important thing to remember is that babies are used to getting comfort from breastfeeding during the night. You’ll need to help them find that comfort elsewhere. This may include cuddling, rocking, swaddling, or soothing pacifiers.
Related: How To Stop Breast Feeding A Two Year Old
Step 4: Be Patient, But Flexible
Patience is key to the success of the night-weaning process. Be gentle with your baby as they adjust to the change, but also be flexible. Understand that the process will not necessarily be linear. There may be nights when it feels like you’re going backward as your baby adjusts.
Step 5: Focus on Daytime Feedings
Make sure most of your baby’s nutrition comes from daytime feedings and meals, so they’re less likely to wake up hungry during the night.
Related: How to Survive Breastfeeding at Night
Step 6: Provide Security
Breastfeeding provides comfort and reassurance for babies at night, so as you drop breastfeeding sessions during the night, be sure to offer that security in other ways during the day.
Step 7: Monitor Progress
Keep track of your baby’s progress throughout the night-weaning process. This will help you identify patterns and behaviors and get a sense of how well your baby is adjusting.
Related: 8 Natural Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
What to Expect During the Night Weaning Process
The night-weaning process can be challenging and upsetting for both you and your baby. It’s important to be prepared for what’s to come. Here’s a quick rundown of some things to expect:
Expect Resistance
Expect your baby to resist at first. It’s normal for your baby to protest and refuse to comply initially. It takes time for babies to adjust to change.
Expect More Night Wakings
Don’t be alarmed if your baby wakes up more frequently during the night while they’re going through the weaning process. It’s normal for babies to wake up and cry before they learn to settle on their own without nursing.
Expect Increased Dependence on Other Comfort Measures
Be prepared for your baby to rely more heavily on other comfort measures, such as pacifiers, cuddling, or rocking.
Tips for Easier Night Weaning from Breastfeeding
Be patient: Stay calm and patient as you try to night wean your baby. The process is emotionally challenging for both of you.
Comfort without nursing: Try to comfort your baby without nursing by cuddling, gently rocking them, softly patting or rubbing their back, or offering a pacifier.
Be gentle and gradual: If you’re night weaning, don’t be too hard on yourself or your baby if it takes a long time. A slow, steady approach will yield more lasting benefits than a sudden, quick approach.
Wait for more settled times: If your baby is going through a major adjustment period (like teething, a growth spurt, illness, or a new developmental milestone), it might be a good idea to wait for these things to pass before starting the night-weaning process.
Final Thoughts
Night weaning your baby is a process, so be patient with both yourself and your baby, and take your time. The important thing is to make the process as gentle as possible for your baby.
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