Key takeaways: Many babies still need night feeds for the first several months, and some continue past 6 months. There’s no single right age to night wean. Check with your pediatrician first, especially if your baby has growth concerns. Gradual methods, like shortening feeds or reducing ounces, are gentler. Breastfeeding parents may need to watch supply and comfort.
Night feeds are normal in the first year. Some families choose to reduce them as babies get older.
When Might Babies Be Ready?
- Many babies can go longer stretches without feeding after about 6 months, but needs vary widely.
- Babies with growth or medical concerns may need night feeds longer.
- Breastfed babies often feed at night for comfort and nutrition, and that’s normal.
- Talk with your pediatrician before night weaning, especially before 6 months.
Signs Your Baby May Be Ready
- Growing well along their curve.
- Eating well during the day.
- Taking only small amounts at night or falling asleep quickly while feeding.
- Waking at the same times out of habit.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers sleep month by month, alongside feeding, growth and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
Gentle Methods
For bottle-fed babies:
- Reduce the amount in each night bottle by about 1 ounce every few nights.
- Never water down formula to cut night feeds. Reduce the volume instead.
For breastfed babies:
- Shorten each night feed by a few minutes every few nights.
- Have a partner respond to some wakings with comfort.
- Drop one feed at a time, starting with the one closest to bedtime or the one your baby seems least interested in.
Increase Daytime Calories
Offer full feeds during the day and a full feed before bed.
Breastfeeding Considerations
- Watch for fullness, clogged ducts, and mastitis. Hand express just enough for comfort.
- Some people notice supply changes when night feeds stop.
- Partial night weaning can be a good middle ground.
Expect Some Protest
It may take a week or two. Offer comfort and stay consistent.
When to Wait
- During illness, teething, travel, or big changes.
- If your baby isn’t growing well.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if: you’re unsure whether your baby still needs night feeds or your baby has growth concerns.
The Bottom Line
Night weaning is a personal choice. Check with your pediatrician, go gradually, and keep your baby’s growth and your comfort in mind.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Gentle Weaning: How to Stop Breastfeeding When You’re Ready
- How Much Formula Does My Baby Need? A Month-by-Month Guide
- Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Tandem Nursing
- Dream Feeds: Do They Help Babies Sleep Longer?
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Getting your baby to sleep; night feedings. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Mindell JA, Owens JA. A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. 3rd ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
