You know how everyone talks about the joys of the newborn phase, and you really want to soak it all in?
But let’s be real—some days, it just feels like a constant struggle, right? If you’re knee-deep in sleepless nights and juggling endless feedings, know that you’re not alone. I totally get it. A rough night can make everything feel like too much.
I’m Hillary, the founder of Baby Settler. As a labor & delivery nurse, feeding specialist, and mom of four, I’ve seen it all. Trust me, I remember those hazy nights all too well! But guess what? Your baby can sleep all night—and so can you! Seriously!
In this post, let’s chat about nighttime weaning. I’ll share how to drop nighttime feeds, when you can wean nighttime feeds, and some practical tips for dropping those nighttime feeds without the stress. By the end, you’ll be all set to dive into my Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Weaning, which is designed to make this journey a whole lot smoother.
What is Nighttime Weaning?
Let’s break it down! Nighttime weaning is all about gradually reducing those feeds that take place after 7PM and before your morning Anchor feed. Sounds dreamy, right?
When Can You Wean Nighttime Feeds?
You might be wondering, “When can I wean nighttime feeds?” The truth is, you can set your baby up to drop nighttime feeds as soon as they are past their birth weight (and gaining weight of at least 4-7oz per week). By 3-4 months, Baby Settler babies are typically sleeping 11+ hours a night with no feeds – all without sleep training. Now, these babies that I’m referring to are the ones that started early (within the first 6 weeks) with our easy to implement recommendations. If you’re getting started a little later (your baby is 4+ months old) and your baby hasn’t learned how to self-soothe or go down “drowsy but awake” then there may be some “sleep training” involved. However, we take a holistic approach to sleep . What do I mean? Checkout the FAQ’s at the bottom of this page for more info on our take on “crying it out” and “sleep training”. All in all, if you’ve notice your baby starting to sleep longer between feedings, you might be in the perfect window!
The Benefits of Nighttime Weaning
So, why should you consider nighttime weaning? Here’s the scoop:
Better Sleep for Everyone: Imagine this: your baby is peacefully snoozing through the night, and so are you. Sounds like a dream, right? The more your baby learns to sleep through the night, the more sleep you get, too—everyone wins! When nighttime feedings decrease, it opens up those precious hours of sleep that we all crave. It means you can wake up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day, and enjoy those fleeting moments with your little one. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving as a family!
Building Self-Soothing Skills: One of the most empowering aspects of nighttime weaning is helping your baby develop self-soothing skills. Nighttime weaning encourages them to learn how to fall back asleep on their own, which is a huge win for all of us. Instead of relying on a feeding to drift back off, they’ll find comfort in their own cozy environment. This newfound ability not only helps your baby feel more secure and confident but also means fewer disruptions for you during those long nights. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
Better Daytime Feeding: A well-fed baby during the day is less likely to wake up starving at night. By focusing on optimizing your baby’s daytime feedings, you’re setting them up for success when the sun goes down. When your little one gets enough nourishment throughout the day—whether it’s from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding—they can sleep more soundly at night. This not only gives them the fuel they need to grow and play but also frees you from those midnight wake-up calls that can leave you feeling drained. It’s all about creating a balanced routine that works for you both!
Debunking Common Myths About Nighttime Weaning
Before we dive into how to wean those nighttime feeds, let’s address a few myths that might be swirling around in your mind. We want you to feel empowered and confident as you navigate this journey, so here’s the real scoop:
Myth: Nighttime Feeding is Always Necessary
Truth: It’s a common belief that babies must feed at night to thrive, but here’s the good news: many little ones can learn to go longer stretches without nighttime feedings, especially as they grow older and develop those all-important self-soothing skills. Your baby’s body is capable of amazing things, and with a little patience and the right approach, they can transition to a more restful night’s sleep. Just remember, every baby is unique, so trust your instincts and follow their cues!
Myth: All Babies Will Drop Nighttime Feedings at the Same Age
Truth: Just like each baby has their own personality, they also have their own timeline when it comes to sleep. Nighttime weaning can actually begin as early as 4-6 weeks and continue through to 4 months, depending on several key factors. The most important aspect is whether your baby can consume their total daily volume needs during their 12-hour waking period. This capability is influenced by their weight, self-soothing skills, environment, and daily routine.
Every baby is unique, and some may take longer or need a gradual weaning process to adjust. It’s completely normal! Embrace your baby’s individual journey and be flexible in your approach. Your little one will find their rhythm in their own sweet time, and that’s what matters most.
Myth: You Have to Do It All at Once
Truth: Nighttime weaning doesn’t have to be a race! In fact, it’s often best approached as a gradual process. There’s no rush to eliminate those nighttime feedings overnight. Take your time to find what feels right for you and your baby. The beauty of nighttime weaning is that it can be tailored to fit your family’s needs. Whether you choose to stretch out the time between feedings or drop one feeding at a time, you’re in control, and you’ve got this!
For more information on the benefits of sleep for babies, check out this helpful article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How to Drop Nighttime Feeds: Let’s Get Practical!
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to drop nighttime feeds without the drama:
Make Daytime Meals Count: Make sure your baby is getting plenty during the day. This helps them feel full and reduces those pesky nighttime wake-ups. The goal is efficient, effective feeds during the day. If you’re unsure about how to set your baby up for these types of feeds you can find all this information inside the Nighttime Weaning Guide.
Mange Wake-Windows: An over-tired (over-stimulated) baby doesn’t feed well and therefore doesn’t sleep well. It’s a vicious cycle.
Bedtime Routine: Establishing a calming routine before bed can signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. Think warm baths, soft music, or reading a story together.
Support for All Feeding Styles
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, my Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Weaning has got your back with non-judgmental strategies that work for you. It’s all about finding what fits your family best.
Why You’ll Love My Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Weaning
In just two hours, you’ll discover everything you need to know about nighttime weaning:
Feeding Insights: We’ll dive into the connection between feeding and sleeping—no more guesswork!
Napping Tips: Daytime sleep is crucial, and we’ll tackle it in a way that makes sense.
Weaning Steps: We’ll break down the process so it feels totally manageable!
For an even deeper dive into infant sleep patterns, you can refer to The Sleep Foundation, which provides comprehensive resources on baby sleep habits and routines.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t have to wish away these early days with your little one. It’s totally possible to enjoy this precious time while ensuring everyone gets the sleep they need. Download my Ultimate Guide to Nighttime Weaning today, and let’s turn those sleepless nights into peaceful ones!
Nighttime weaning can feel daunting, but you’ve got this! With the right knowledge and support, it can be a breeze. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—we’re in this together. Get your guide now and let’s embrace those sweet, restful nights ahead!
In Your Corner, Always!
Hillary- The Baby Settler
