Signs your baby is ready to drop night feeds
Night feeds are a normal part of infancy, but there comes a point for many families where those overnight calories are no longer needed and are mostly habit or comfort. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start weaning night feeds, this guide walks you through the signs, the timing, and gentle ways to make the shift.
Quick note: Always keep an eye on growth, nappies, and overall wellbeing. If weight gain is a concern, your baby is premature, or you have specific feeding/medical guidance, check with your health professional before changing feeds.
A quick readiness checklist
Your baby may be ready to drop night feeds if most of the following are true:
Takes small or distracted feeds overnight (comfort sucks, dozes off quickly).
Makes up calories in the daytime (feeds well, solids going in nicely if age appropriate).
Wakes on a pattern (same times most nights → habit, not hunger).
Tracking well on growth and nappies are plentiful and wet.
Solids are established (usually 6+ months) and milk intake is solid in daylight hours.
Can self-settle or resettle with brief support.
You’ve ruled out illness, teething pain, and big developmental leaps.
If you’re nodding along to most of these, you can consider reducing or removing some night feeds.
Why babies wake and why it matters
Night waking isn’t random. Common drivers include:
Hunger (especially under 4–6 months).
Habit/association (waking and expecting the same response each time).
Overtired/undertired day rhythm.
Environment (light, noise, temp, stimulation).
Development (rolling, crawling, language bursts can temporarily spike wakes).
Understanding why your baby wakes helps you choose the right next step, so you’re not trying to fix hunger with settling, or habit with extra milk.
Age and stage guide
Every baby is different; use this as a loose frame:
0–3 months: Multiple night feeds are expected. Focus on responsive feeding, day–night cues, and comfort.
4–6 months: Many babies still need 1–2 night feeds. Some can manage one feed if days are going well and growth is steady.
6–8 months: Lots of babies can manage 0–1 feed overnight when daytime calories are adequate and sleep foundations are in place.
8–12 months: Many don’t need night feeds if solids and daytime milk are on track. Some still wake for comfort; gradual weaning can help consolidate night sleep.
These are guides, not deadlines. Your baby’s growth, temperament, and feeding history matter most.
The clear sign it might be time
1) Small, distracted overnight feeds.
If your baby latches, sucks for a few minutes and dozes, you’re probably topping up comfort more than calories.
2) Predictable wake times
Waking at 11:30 pm and 3:00 am like clockwork often signals an association, not appetite.
3) Strong daytime intake
Good milk feeds and, from ~6 months, solids eaten confidently. Day calories support longer night stretches.
4) Steady growth & nappies
Tracking along their curve, with normal wet/dirty nappies, suggests they’re well fueled without relying on night feeds.
5) Some self-settling ability
If they can resettle with a brief check-in, pat, or cuddle, they’re more likely to handle reduced night feeds.
6) No obvious disruptors
Illness, teething pain, travel, or big leaps can temporarily bump up night needs. Wait these out before changing anything.
Foundations to Put in Place First
Day rhythm: Age-appropriate wake windows and naps to avoid overtired or under-tired nights.
Environment: Dark room, consistent white noise, comfy temperature, safe sleep space.
Day calories: Offer full, unrushed daytime milk feeds; from ~6 months, balanced solids (iron-rich + energy-dense foods).
Evening routine: Calm, predictable wind-down and a consistent settling approach at bedtime.
Gentle Night Weaning Methods (Choose One to Start)
You don’t need to go cold-turkey. Pick a gentle method and move at your baby’s pace.
A) Space & Settle
Keep one retained feed (e.g., between 1:00-3:00am) and gradually stretch the first waking by 10–20 minutes every few nights with hands-on settling.
Once the first waking moves closer to morning, you can drop it or roll it into the retained feed time.
B) Reduce Volume/Minutes
Bottle: Reduce each targeted feed by 30–60 mL every 1-3 nights until it’s minimal, then switch to a resettle.
Breast: Time the feed and reduce by 1–2 minutes every 1-3 nights; offer the second side only if needed; finish with a cuddle/rock/pat instead of more milk.
C) Resettle-First Approach
When they wake, try resettling for 5–10 minutes before offering a feed. If they’re still upset, feed and then next time, extend the resettle window.
Tip: Drop one feed at a time, leaving at least 3 nights between changes so your baby can adjust.
Example 10–14 Day Plan (Dropping to One Feed)
Nights 1–3: Keep a single retained feed around 1–3 am. For earlier wakes, resettle first; if feeding, reduce volume/mins slightly.
Nights 4–6: Stretch the first wake by 10–20 minutes and continue reducing the targeted feed by volume/mins.
Nights 7–10: The targeted wake should now be later/shorter. Replace with a full resettle. Keep the retained feed as needed.
Nights 11–14: If going well, consider stretching the retained feed, or keep it if your baby clearly needs it. Aim for one consolidated stretch of 6–10 hours.
What About Milk Supply?
If breastfeeding, gradual reductions protect supply better than sudden changes. Shift calories to the daytime with an extra day feed if needed. Monitor breasts for fullness and your comfort; consider a brief express only to relieve pressure, not to fully empty.
When Not to Drop Night Feeds (Yet)
Recent illness, vaccinations, travel or big changes at home.
Slowed or concerning weight gain, speak with your health professional first.
Under ~4–6 months without clear guidance; many still need night calories at this stage.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
“We tried and baby protested hard.” Pause for a few nights, add more day calories, and try again with smaller steps.
“They’re waking early morning after weaning.” Check last nap timing, bedtime, and room darkness. Early morning is the lightest sleep—tighten the routine there.
“They still wake but don’t feed.” Great progress. Keep responses brief and consistent; avoid creating a new sleep association that’s hard to maintain.
“How do partners help?” Partners can take the first resettle shift, offer cuddles/settles, and give you a break during stretches you’re trying to wean.
Night weaning is a process, not a single night. It can be gentle, responsive, and connected. Follow your baby’s cues, choose a method that fits your family, and give it a little time.