Many babies naturally stop feeding at night between 4 and 6 months, but some continue waking up out of habit rather than hunger. Gradually reducing night feedings can help your baby sleep longer stretches.
1 – Signs That Your Baby is Ready to Drop Night Feedings
✔️ Baby is over 4–6 months old and gaining weight well.
✔️ Eats enough during the day but still wakes at night for feedings.
✔️ Drinks very little during night feedings and falls asleep quickly.
2 – How to Gently Wean Off Night Feedings?
2.1 Increase Daytime Feedings
✔️ Offer larger feedings during the day to make up for the reduced nighttime intake.
2.2 Gradually Reduce the Amount Fed at Night
✔️ If bottle-feeding, reduce 1–2 oz each night.
✔️ If breastfeeding, shorten nursing sessions gradually.
2.3 Offer Comfort Without Feeding
✔️ Try patting, shushing, or rocking instead of immediately offering milk.
2.4 Push the First Night Feeding Later
✔️ Try delaying feedings by 10–15 minutes each night to encourage longer sleep stretches.
3 – Final Thoughts
Night weaning should be gradual and gentle. By increasing daytime nutrition and reducing nighttime feedings slowly, your baby will eventually learn to sleep through the night.
