Night Weaning Guide for Babies
Night weaning is an important step for better sleep for both baby and parents. When your baby is ready, the right approach can lead to smooth success.
1. What is Night Feeding?
Night feeding refers to any feeds between the last evening feed and the first morning feed. While essential for newborns, as babies grow, gradually reducing night feeds is a natural progression.
2. When to Start Night Weaning
Generally, you can start night weaning after 6 months of age. Check the following criteria first:
- Baby is gaining weight steadily (on the growth curve)
- Getting adequate nutrition during the day (milk/solids)
- Night feed amounts are gradually decreasing
- Pediatrician has confirmed it's OK to night wean
Important: For underweight babies, premature babies, or those with growth concerns, always consult your doctor before night weaning.
3. Hunger vs. Habit: How to Tell
It's important to distinguish whether night waking is from true hunger or just habit:
| Hunger Feeding | Habit Feeding |
|---|---|
| Drinks a lot (3+ oz / 100ml+) | Takes just a little and falls asleep |
| Wakes at relatively consistent times | Wakes at irregular, frequent intervals |
| Actively sucking and swallowing | Just comfort sucking, like a pacifier |
4. Night Weaning Methods
Method 1: Gradual Reduction (Recommended)
The gentlest approach, taking 2-3 weeks to gradually reduce:
- Formula: Reduce by 0.5-1 oz (10-20ml) each night
- Breastfeeding: Reduce nursing time by 1-2 minutes each night
- When down to 1 oz (30ml) or less, eliminate completely
Method 2: Stretching Intervals
- When baby wakes, don't feed immediately—wait 5-10 minutes
- Try soothing with pats and shushing first
- Gradually increase wait time each night
- Wake times will naturally spread out
Method 3: Water Substitution
- Offer water instead of milk (for 6+ months)
- Start by mixing milk and water, gradually increasing water ratio
- When only water is offered, baby will stop waking for it
Method 4: Partner Takes Over
- Have dad/partner handle night wakings instead of mom
- Without the smell of milk, baby won't expect to nurse
- Soothe by holding and patting back to sleep
5. Preparing for Night Weaning
- Increase daytime feeds: Baby must eat enough during the day to not be hungry at night
- Full bedtime feed: Make the last feed before bed a big one
- Check solid intake: For 6+ months, ensure adequate solids
- Consider dream feed: Feed around 10-11 PM without fully waking baby
6. What is a Dream Feed?
A dream feed is when parents feed the baby around 10-11 PM without fully waking them, just before the parents go to bed. A full tummy can help baby sleep through until morning.
- Gently lift baby while they're still lying down
- Touch nipple/bottle to lips—baby will reflexively start sucking
- After feeding, lay baby back down without burping
- Phase out dream feed around 8-9 months
7. When to Avoid Night Weaning
- When baby is sick
- During teething
- During sleep regressions (4 months, 8 months, etc.)
- During major changes (moving, travel, starting daycare)
- Right after vaccinations
8. Common Q&A
Q. Will my baby go hungry without night feeds?
A. If your baby is 6 months or older and eating well during the day, they can go all night without eating. They can get all the nutrition they need from daytime feeds.
Q. What if my baby cries?
A. Instead of feeding immediately, try patting, shushing, or holding first. Waiting 5-10 minutes is often helpful.