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To most parents, such middle-of-the-night feeds are like a blessing and also a challenge. They are times of intimacy and rest, although with time, continuous wakes may tie down an entire family which is why they seem to be tired. When a baby becomes older, and his or her nutritional requirements change, the parents are most likely to ask: how to wean from breastfeeding at night?
What Is the Night Weaning?
Night weaning refers to weaning out the night feeds gradually or completely to teach your baby to sleep longer without expecting them to wake up and breastfeed or use the bottle. Notably, night weaning is not complete weaning. You can still breastfeed or bottle feed during the day, but just gradually drop the nighttime feed.
The process does not mean depriving your baby of his needs, but rather identifying when you know that those late-nighters are more for a habit and comfort rather than actual hunger. Here’s how to night wean from breastfeeding.
How Often to Feed a Newborn at Night
Nighttime feeds are a must during the initial months of life. Babies at birth have limited stomachs and must feed every 2 to 3 hours through the day and night. The digestion of breast milk is also fast thus waking up during the night is normal.
The following is a typical nighttime feeding schedule:
- 0-2 months: Feed 2-3 hourly, including at night.
- 4-6 months: Some babies may sleep up to 6 hours without feeding at a stretch, but still will require one or both night feeds.
- 6 months: The baby is now able to consolidate their sleep, and some may require only a single night feeding.
Depending on how the pediatrician assesses your baby, and provided they are growing well, you might start weaning some night feeding or drop them completely.
Parent tip: When you are bottle-feeding using pumped milk/formula on awakening in the night, the Superfast Portable Breast Milk and Water Warmer for Travel can facilitate feeds significantly easier. It heats water up to 104 F in approximately 3 minutes and breast milk to 98 F in approximately 5 minutes quickly enough to calm down a crying baby without extended waiting time. It has two heating options: milk and water; a wireless rechargeable design; and a leak-proof 17 oz capacity, so it can be used at home and on the road. One charge will feed more than once and intelligent temperature regulation will conserve the nutrients in breast milk.
When to Stop Night Feeds
All babies are different, but the following are some of the indicators that your child is ready to no longer be night fed:
- They nurse or take a bottle for just a minute or two, and then they drift back to sleep again.
- They feed decently in the daytime, and nevertheless, they wake up often through the night.
- They are aged 12 months or more, and they are on a steady weight gain.
- The baby is sleepier than refreshed with the ongoing interruptions.
Keep in mind that being ready is about the baby and the parent. When you are not prepared, there is no hurry.
How to Night Wean from Breastfeeding
When you are ready, you want to be gradual- gradual to your comfort and gradual to your baby. Here are non-violent tactics:
1. Mask Calories to Daytime
Provide increased frequency of nursing contact during the day. Add an additional feeding prior to bedtime, and think about a dream feed at 10-11 pm to help your infant slumber longer prior to their initial waking hours.
2. Decrease the Length of Nursing Sessions
If your baby spends 10 minutes in the regular session, decrease the time to 7-8 minutes during a couple of nights, then 5 minutes and so forth until the situation evaporates by itself.
3. Alleviate in Other Manner
Take your partner in on night wakings. Rock, cuddle, or use soft rustling gestures. Babies can calm down because they know that there is no milk on the menu.
4. Extend Feedings
When your baby is waking at 3-hour intervals, start extending it to 3 1/2 to 4 hours and then offer the breast. This assists them in slowly learning to sleep for longer intervals.
5. Use Sleep Associations
Offer calming alternatives, which can be a wearable sleep sack, a white noise machine, or a lovey (more than 12 months old). These can substitute for nursing in the role of comfort indicators.
How to Night Wean from Formula-Fed
Because formula-fed infants may consume more at a time, night weaning may be just a bit easier:
- Transitions Slowly: In case your baby is taking 6 oz, little by little, cut it down to 5 oz the next few nights, then 4 oz, until it is phased out.
- Watering Down the Recipe (with the pediatrician's approval): Periodically add a little extra water, rendering the bottle less desirable. Your baby will eventually stop waking up to receive it as time goes by. This method is generally recommended only after your baby is at least one year old.
- Offer Comfort, not Food Rocking, patting, or using a pacifier to help the baby fall back to sleep, but NOT the bottle.
Useful accessory: A Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor - 22oz. The bottles can also be prepared in advance, especially at night, so that they stay fresh. That way, you can prepare in advance when your infant wakes up without jolting yourself awake to prepare formula in the dark.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Night Wean a Baby from Breastfeeding?
It typically takes about 2-3 weeks for most babies to adjust to night weaning, though some can get adapted in just a few nights, and some may take some weeks. Factors include:
- Age: Older infants learn quicker as compared to babies.
- Temperament: Babies adapt to circumstances more easily; some need more time.
- Consistency: Work on what you have. Keep going with it.
Don't forget that sometimes a couple of steps backward are supposed to happen along the way - particularly when there is a teething period, illness, or growth spurt.
Can Breastfeeding Too Long Cause Problems?
No. Extended breastfeeding, itself, is not harmful. Actually, the WHO promotes breastfeeding for 12 months and even longer should mother and child desire to do so.
A longer period of night feedings beyond 12 months, however, can cause certain problems:
- Disturbed sleep: You and your baby can feel deprived of good sleep.
- Dental issues: Night nursing that does not involve brushing can cause the teeth to develop early decay.
- Routine versus needing to eat: Infants might wake up to be soothed and not to be fed.
The trick is to balance it out and keep breastfeeding until you and your child find it enjoyable and tough! A good time to think about stopping night feeds is when it affects the sleep pattern or the health of the mother or child.
FAQs
Is Night Weaning Gradual OR Cold Turkey?
The majority of specialists suggest a slowdown method. Breaking the addiction using the cold turkey may result in engorgement among moms and emotional upset among babies. Slow weaning is less hard and of less painful progress.
Does Weaning a Baby Help Them Sleep Through the Night?
Often, yes. Babies that no longer wake up to breastfeed at night sleep longer periods. Other issues, such as teething or separation anxiety, can result in night waking as well, that is, with caveats.
Is It OK to Breastfeed a 1-Year-Old at Night?
Absolutely. No harm in it, you work it into your family. At this age, however, most of the babies do not require nutritious night feedings. You can choose night weaning in the event that you would prefer sleeping longer periods.
Is it OK to Give Baby Water Instead of Milk at Night?
In the case of infants below 12 months of age, no water can substitute breast milk or formula. Your toddler can be given water at night after they wake up thirsty after 1 year.
Conclusion
Night weaning, like all weaning, is an individual experience, defined by the needs of your child and your family and their unique readiness to move on. Losing access to those nighttime cuddles may be a bittersweet feeling, but it also opens the door to more peaceful nights and an adjusted pattern of activity during the day.
And know that you do not need to do it perfectly. Trust your gut, call upon those that are there to support you, and understand that every step you take is one that will keep your family balanced between healthy filtering and rest.
