As new parents, we learn and understand that our newborn will need to feed frequently both day and night. But as the months progress, many parents wonder when 2-3 hour stretches will turn into 6-8 hours and finally to 10-12 hours.
You’re not alone if you’re past the newborn phase and experiencing frequent night wakes. Many parents experience the exhausting cycle of frequent overnight wakings, often turning to feeding as the quickest solution but wonder how to wean overnight feeds.
While feeding can provide fast relief, it’s essential to recognise that not all nighttime awakenings stem from hunger. Understanding this distinction is the first step towards gently weaning your baby off overnight feeds when your baby is ready.
In this blog post, we’ll explore options and how to wean overnight feeds. I will provide you with essential tips to help you understand and address this issue, and for more in-depth guidance to night weaning both breast and bottle feeds
How to identify the true need during the night wake up
Babies wake up for various reasons overnight, from hunger to seeking comfort or even habit. Before initiating any weaning process, observe your baby’s nighttime patterns. Are the wakings consistent? Do they occur at specific times? Understanding your baby’s cues can help differentiate between genuine hunger and other needs.
To determine if your baby is waking due to hunger, consider the duration of their longest sleep stretch. If they’ve consistently started to sleep for 6+ hours but now wake every 2 hours, it’s likely not hunger-related, and other soothing methods can be employed. Offering a feed every time can lead to a habitual wake up pattern and a feeding to sleep association.
Reduce the amount offered at a feed
Gradually reduce the volume of milk offered during nighttime feeds. If breastfeeding, you can reduce the number of minutes of the feed each night and if bottle feeding reduce the volume. This gradual reduction can help your baby adjust to fewer calories during the night and encourage more calories during the day. This gradual reduction can also be helpful to avoid clogged ducts or sudden drop in supply for breastfeeding Moms.
Some babies will naturally drop their nights feeds, but many need our support and guidance. Reducing the amount offered is a great way to encourage better daytime feeds and longer stretches of sleep overnight.
Protesting? Your baby may initially protest when you offer them less volume overnight. Your baby will most likely continue to wake as you reduce the night feeds. Using a consistent approach to all wake ups after removing the feeds will help your baby consolidate their sleep overnight and self soothe if they do wake overnight.
Offer alternative soothing way of comfort
Babies quickly adapt to the sleep associations they’re introduced to and they may continue to need these associations when they wake during the night. Babies transition to lighter stages of sleep every 3-4 hours overnight. During these transitions there is potential that they can fully wake.
Sometimes, babies wake up seeking comfort rather than out of hunger. Experiment with alternative soothing techniques such as gentle rocking, briefly picking them up, or offering verbal reassurances with a hand on their back ot chest by providing comfort in ways other than feeding, you can help your baby learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep independently.
4 signs your baby is ready to wean night feeds
Waking frequently throughout the night
Falling asleep quickly upon offering a feed
Wakes up immediately after a feed
They wake up at the SAME time no matter what happens the day before
Need sleep support?
If multiple night wake ups and feeds or distracted daytime feeds are the norm…I have a class for you! In just a few weeks, your baby will be getting 10-12 hours of independent night sleep, how to wean overnight feeds, AND you’ll have a plan to navigate any future regressions or bumps in your journey. I’ll also help you set up a daytime routine and nap schedule that fits your family’s lifestyle and values.
Not sure where to start?
Connect with me for a sleep consultation for your baby and i will guide you next steps for well-rested nights for your family.
Comments