Feeding & Eating

Night Weaning: Dropping Nighttime Feeds

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds, here is what the guidelines recommend.

The short answer

Night weaning means gradually eliminating nighttime breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Most healthy babies can go without nighttime feeds somewhere between 6 and 12 months, though the exact timing varies. Night weaning does not necessarily mean your baby will sleep through the night, as waking and feeding are separate habits. A gradual approach that reduces the length or volume of night feeds over one to two weeks tends to work best.

Key takeaways

  • Night weaning means gradually eliminating nighttime breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Most healthy babies can go without nighttime feeds somewhere between 6 and 12 months, though the exact timing varies. Night weaning does not necessarily mean your baby will sleep through the night, as waking and feeding are separate habits. A gradual approach that reduces the length or volume of night feeds over one to two weeks tends to work best.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
— Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, night weaning means gradually eliminating nighttime breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Most healthy babies can go without nighttime feeds somewhere between 6 and 12 months, though the exact timing varies. Night weaning does not necessarily mean your baby will sleep through the night, as waking and feeding are separate habits. A gradual approach that reduces the length or volume of night feeds over one to two weeks tends to work best. At 0-3 months, night feeds are biologically necessary at this age. Young babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, including overnight. Attempting to night wean before 4 to 6 months is not recommended, as it can affect weight gain and milk supply. Follow your baby's hunger cues and know that this frequent feeding phase is temporary. It is generally considered normal when your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier
Your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped
There are a few harder nights followed by gradual improvement over one to two weeks
Your baby or toddler is suddenly feeding much more at night than usual, which could signal illness or pain that needs evaluation
Your baby compensates by eating more during the day once night feeds are dropped
Your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night
Your child regresses temporarily during illness, teething, or travel but returns to the new pattern afterward
Night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Night feeds are biologically necessary at this age. Young babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, including overnight. Attempting to night wean before 4 to 6 months is not recommended, as it can affect weight gain and milk supply. Follow your baby's hunger cues and know that this frequent feeding phase is temporary.

3-6 months

Some babies naturally begin to stretch their longest sleep period and may drop one night feed on their own. However, many babies still need one to two feeds overnight at this age, and that is normal. If your baby is gaining weight well and your pediatrician confirms they are developmentally ready, you can begin gently reducing night feeds by offering slightly less milk or nursing for a shorter duration.

6-12 months

By 6 months, many babies are physiologically capable of going through the night without feeding, especially if they are eating solid foods and taking full feeds during the day. You can gradually reduce night feeds by shortening nursing time by a minute or two each night, or by reducing bottle volumes by half an ounce every few days. Having a partner offer comfort instead of a feed can also help break the feeding-to-sleep association.

12-24 months

Toddlers who still nurse at night are often doing so for comfort rather than hunger. Night weaning at this age may involve more verbal reassurance and alternative comfort strategies. Some parents find that telling their toddler the milk is sleeping or that nursing will happen when the sun comes up works well. Consistency and patience are key, and it may take one to two weeks for new patterns to establish.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night.
  • Mention if night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier
  • There are a few harder nights followed by gradual improvement over one to two weeks
  • Your baby compensates by eating more during the day once night feeds are dropped
  • Your child regresses temporarily during illness, teething, or travel but returns to the new pattern afterward
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night
  • Night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan
  • You are unsure whether your baby is developmentally ready to drop night feeds
  • Your baby has not gained weight well and you are concerned about reducing feeds
Act now when...
  • Your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped
  • Your baby or toddler is suddenly feeding much more at night than usual, which could signal illness or pain that needs evaluation

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped.
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Frequently asked questions

Is night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds normal?
Night weaning means gradually eliminating nighttime breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Most healthy babies can go without nighttime feeds somewhere between 6 and 12 months, though the exact timing varies. Night weaning does not necessarily mean your baby will sleep through the night, as waking and feeding are separate habits. A gradual approach that reduces the length or volume of night feeds over one to two weeks tends to work best.
When should I call the doctor about night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds?
Your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped Your baby or toddler is suddenly feeding much more at night than usual, which could signal illness or pain that needs evaluation
When is night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds normal?
Your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier There are a few harder nights followed by gradual improvement over one to two weeks Your baby compensates by eating more during the day once night feeds are dropped
What causes night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds?
Night weaning means gradually eliminating nighttime breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Most healthy babies can go without nighttime feeds somewhere between 6 and 12 months, though the exact timing varies. Night weaning does not necessarily mean your baby will sleep through the night, as waking and feeding are separate habits. A gradual approach that reduces the length or volume of night feeds over one to two weeks tends to work best. Common explanations include: Your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier. There are a few harder nights followed by gradual improvement over one to two weeks.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds?
You should mention night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds at your next visit if: Your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night. Night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan. You are unsure whether your baby is developmentally ready to drop night feeds.
Is night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds normal at 0-3 months?
Night feeds are biologically necessary at this age. Young babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, including overnight. Attempting to night wean before 4 to 6 months is not recommended, as it can affect weight gain and milk supply. Follow your baby's hunger cues and know that this frequent feeding phase is temporary.
Is night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds normal at 3-6 months?
Some babies naturally begin to stretch their longest sleep period and may drop one night feed on their own. However, many babies still need one to two feeds overnight at this age, and that is normal. If your baby is gaining weight well and your pediatrician confirms they are developmentally ready, you can begin gently reducing night feeds by offering slightly less milk or nursing for a shorter duration.
Should I go to the ER for night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds?
Seek emergency care if your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped, or if your baby or toddler is suddenly feeding much more at night than usual, which could signal illness or pain that needs evaluation. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds go away on its own?
In many cases, night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds resolves on its own, especially when your baby wakes briefly during the night weaning process but can be settled with patting, rocking, or a pacifier. By 12-24 months, toddlers who still nurse at night are often doing so for comfort rather than hunger. Night weaning at this age may involve more verbal reassurance and alternative comfort strategies. Some parents find that telling their toddler the milk is sleeping or that nursing will happen when the sun comes up works well. Consistency and patience are key, and it may take one to two weeks for new patterns to establish.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Getting Your Baby to Sleep. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics. AAP
  3. [3]National Institutes of Health. Infant Sleep and Night Feeding Patterns. NCBI. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Night Weaning: Dropping Nighttime Feeds.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night.
  • Mention if night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby is over 6 months, eating well during the day, but still waking every one to two hours to feed at night
  • Night feeding is significantly affecting your mental or physical health and you need a plan
  • You are unsure whether your baby is developmentally ready to drop night feeds

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped
  • Your baby or toddler is suddenly feeding much more at night than usual, which could signal illness or pain that needs evaluation

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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Bottom line

Most cases of night weaning: dropping nighttime feeds are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is under 6 months and showing signs of poor weight gain or dehydration, in which case night feeds should not be dropped.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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