Night Weaning: A Gentle & Supportive Guide for Your Family

Night weaning is a major milestone — one that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. For many families, the idea of reducing or stopping night feeds brings questions like:

• How do I do this without distress?

• Is my baby ready?

• Will they still sleep well?

• What if they wake out of habit, not hunger?

The good news?
Night weaning can be calm, supportive, and tear-minimal when you follow a gradual approach.
As a sleep consultant and founder of The Lullaboo Nanny, I have helped hundreds of families transition away from night feeds gently and confidently. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is Night Weaning?

Night weaning simply means reducing or removing overnight feeds, allowing your baby to meet their nutritional needs during the day.

It does not mean:

• Withholding comfort

• Withholding contact

• Letting your baby cry in distress

• Forcing a transition before your baby is ready

It’s a supported, step-by-step process that respects your baby’s cues and your feeding preferences.

How Do I Know If My Baby Is Ready for Night Weaning?

Every baby is unique, but general readiness signs include:

1. Age & Development

Most healthy babies over 6–7 months can begin night weaning, as they are developmentally capable of longer stretches without feeding.

Some babies may be ready slightly earlier or later — this is normal.

2. Good Daytime Intake

Your baby:

• Takes full feeds during the day

• Drinks or eats enough to meet nutritional needs

• Is not relying on “reverse cycling” (feeding more at night than day)

3. Waking for Comfort, Not Calories

If your baby wakes and:

• Takes only a small feed

• Comfort-sucks more than drinking

• Falls asleep quickly after feeding

• Wakes out of habit at the same times

…this often indicates sleep association rather than true hunger.

4. Your Readiness Matters Too

You may be ready because:

• You’re exhausted

• You want longer stretches of sleep

• Returning to work

• Feeding overnight is becoming difficult

• Your baby is older and feeding is habitual

Night weaning should support both of you.

How Many Night Feeds Should My Baby Have by Age?

General guidelines (every baby is unique):

• 0–3 months: Frequent night feeds normal

• 4–5 months: 1–2 feeds normal

• 6–7 months: 0–1 feeds

• 8–9 months: 0 feeds for many babies

• 10–12 months: Night feeds usually not nutritionally needed

• Toddlers: Feeds are typically comfort-driven

If you're unsure, I can assess this during a consultation.

Two Main Approaches to Night Weaning

Families usually choose between:

1. Gradual Night Weaning (Most Gentle & Recommended)

This approach reduces feeds slowly, making it easier for both you and your baby.

Best for:

• Breastfeeding parents

• Sensitive babies

• Babies who rely heavily on feeding to settle

• Parents wanting a no-tears or low-tears method

2. Immediate Night Weaning ("Cold Turkey")

This is stopping feeds all at once.

Best for:

• Toddlers

• Bottle-fed babies who are eating very well in the day

• Parents ready for quick change

This can cause more protest and should be used thoughtfully.
Most families prefer the gradual method — and this is the method I use 90% of the time.

How to Gradually Night Wean — Step-by-Step

Here is the exact process I coach families through:

Step 1: Strengthen Daytime Feeding

Before reducing night feeds, make sure your baby is:

• Feeding every 2.5–4 hours

• Taking full feeds (not snacking)

• Eating solids well (if over 6 months)

Boosting daytime calories makes night weaning smoother.

Step 2: Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A predictable routine helps your baby settle without relying on feeding.

Your routine should include:

• Bath

• Pyjamas

• Feed (but not feeding to sleep)

• Book

• Lights off

• Into cot awake

This is the foundation for smoother night weaning.

Step 3: Reduce One Feed at a Time

You can choose to:

A. Reduce the amount (bottle-fed babies)

Reduce feed volume by:

• 30–60 ml every 2–3 nights

Once the feed is 60 ml or less, remove it and offer settling instead.

B. Reduce the duration (breastfed babies)

Feed for:

• 2–3 minutes less each night

• Or remove one breast at a time

Once feeds are 1–2 minutes, remove them fully.

Step 4: Replace Feeding With Comfort

When your baby wakes for the feed you're night weaning:

Offer:

• Cuddles

• Shushing

• Patting

• Hand on chest

• Rocking

• In-room support

You’re not ignoring their needs — you're meeting them in a different way.

Step 5: Space Out Remaining Night Feeds

If your baby feeds multiple times, gradually push their feeds later.

E.g., change:

• 11 pm → 12 am

• 2 am → 3 am

This slowly stretches night sleep.

Step 6: Finally Remove All Remaining Feeds

When intake is reduced and your baby is settling well, remove the final feed.

There may be some protest, but with reassurance and consistency, most babies adapt within:

• 2–3 nights for gentle weaning

• 3–7 nights for full transition

Common Challenges During Night Weaning

1. Baby Wakes More Frequently

This is normal during the first 1–3 nights as habits shift.
Stay consistent and supportive.

2. Early Rising

This can happen temporarily, especially after removing early-morning feeds.
Improves as sleep adjusts.

3. Increased Crying

Protest is normal — distress is not.
Your presence, reassurance, and calm voice help regulate your baby.

4. Parents Feel Unsure

Night weaning is emotional!
You’re changing a pattern that’s been part of your connection for months.
Be kind to yourself.

When Night Weaning Works Well

You’ll know it’s going smoothly when baby:

• Wakes less

• Settles faster

• Takes longer stretches of sleep

• Eats more in the day

• Appears happier and more rested

This is the positive ripple effect families love.

Should Breastfed and Bottle-Fed Babies Be Night Weaned Differently?

Breastfed Babies:

Night weaning takes a little longer as they comfort-feed more.
Gradual reduction is ideal.

Bottle-Fed Babies:

Usually adapt more quickly.
Volume reduction works beautifully.

Combination-Fed Babies:

We tailor a blend of approaches — and it works just as well.

Night Weaning Twins or Siblings

This often requires:

• Staggering feeds

• Feeding both at the same time

• Separating rooms temporarily

• Managing habitual wakings carefully

It is possible — and I frequently help multiple-baby households through it.

When to Seek Professional Support

You may want extra guidance if:

• Baby becomes very upset

• You’re unsure whether hunger is still present

• You’re too exhausted to track progress

• Your baby feeds hourly overnight

• Your toddler demands milk constantly

• You’ve tried night weaning before and it didn’t stick

• You want a structured plan created for your baby’s age, temperament, and feeding pattern

There is no shame in needing help — this is one of the most emotionally-loaded parts of parenting.

Let Me Support You Through Night Weaning

As The Lullaboo Nanny, I offer:

✨ Personalised Night-Weaning Plans
✨ Gentle Step-by-Step Strategies
✨ Breastfed & Bottle-Fed Guidance
✨ Support for Habitual Night Wakings
✨ Full Sleep Plan Packages
✨ Virtual and In-Home Coaching

Together, we can help your baby sleep longer stretches while still feeling connected, safe, and supported.

If you’d like personalised help night weaning — gently and confidently — I’d love to guide you.