When Should I Stop Night Feeds?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to when should i stop night feeds, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Most healthy, full-term babies who are growing well can sleep through the night without feeds by 6-9 months, though some may need feeds longer. Readiness signs include good weight gain, eating well during the day, and waking at consistent times rather than from hunger. Night weaning should be discussed with your pediatrician, as premature or underweight babies may need night feeds longer.
Key takeaways
- Most healthy, full-term babies who are growing well can sleep through the night without feeds by 6-9 months, though some may need feeds longer. Readiness signs include good weight gain, eating well during the day, and waking at consistent times rather than from hunger. Night weaning should be discussed with your pediatrician, as premature or underweight babies may need night feeds longer.
- Usually normal when: Baby gradually drops night feeds on their own as they eat more during the day
- Call your doctor if: Baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds
- 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.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, most healthy, full-term babies who are growing well can sleep through the night without feeds by 6-9 months, though some may need feeds longer. Readiness signs include good weight gain, eating well during the day, and waking at consistent times rather than from hunger. Night weaning should be discussed with your pediatrician, as premature or underweight babies may need night feeds longer. At 0-3 months, night feeds are essential and expected. Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours including overnight. Do not attempt night weaning at this age. It is generally considered normal when baby gradually drops night feeds on their own as they eat more during the day. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Night feeds are essential and expected. Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours including overnight. Do not attempt night weaning at this age.
4-6 months
Some babies begin to sleep longer stretches naturally. Others still need 1-2 night feeds. If your baby is growing well and your pediatrician agrees, you may start to gently encourage longer night stretches, but do not force it.
6-9 months
Many babies are ready to night wean during this period if they are healthy, growing well, and eating well during the day. You can try gradually reducing the length of night feeds or the amount offered. If baby is breastfed, you might reduce nursing time by 1-2 minutes every few nights.
9-12 months
Most babies can go through the night without feeds by this age. Night waking may be more about habit or comfort than hunger. If your baby still wakes to feed, try offering comfort without feeding to see if they resettle.
12-24 months
Night feeds at this age are typically for comfort rather than nutrition. If you are comfortable continuing, that is fine. If you want to night wean, gradual reduction works well. For breastfeeding mothers, having a partner offer comfort instead of nursing can help. Night bottles should be discontinued to protect dental health.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed when should i stop night feeds and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is over 9 months and still feeding 3 or more times per night.
- Mention if baby is not eating well during the day because they fill up at night.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby gradually drops night feeds on their own as they eat more during the day
- Baby can be comforted back to sleep without feeding by 9-12 months
- Baby takes a few nights to adjust when night feeds are reduced
- Baby is over 9 months and still feeding 3 or more times per night
- Baby is not eating well during the day because they fill up at night
- You are unsure if your baby is ready to night wean
- Baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds
- Baby is a premature or medically fragile infant and you are considering night weaning without medical guidance
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice when should i stop night feeds — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby gradually drops night feeds on their own as they eat more during the day — 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 baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds.
Related Conditions
My Baby Still Feeds Excessively at Night
Frequent night feeding is biologically normal for young babies, as their small stomachs need regular refueling. However, by 6 months most healthy, full-term babies who are gaining weight well are developmentally capable of going longer stretches at night. If your baby is still feeding very frequently at night, it may be a habit pattern that can be gently adjusted.
My Toddler Still Wants a Bottle at Night
Night bottles after 12 months increase the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to excess calorie intake and overnight waking. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Gradually reducing the amount in the bottle, switching to water, or replacing the bottle with a comfort object can help break this habit.
My Baby Uses Me as a Pacifier
Comfort nursing is completely normal and is one of the many purposes of breastfeeding beyond nutrition. Babies nurse for comfort during teething, illness, stress, and developmental changes. While it can be exhausting for parents, it is not harmful to the baby. If comfort nursing is affecting your well-being or preventing adequate food intake, there are gentle strategies to manage it.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is when should i stop night feeds normal?
When should I call the doctor about when should i stop night feeds?
When is when should i stop night feeds normal?
What causes when should i stop night feeds?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about when should i stop night feeds?
Is when should i stop night feeds normal at 0-3 months?
Is when should i stop night feeds normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for when should i stop night feeds?
Does when should i stop night feeds go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss When Should I Stop Night Feeds?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed when should i stop night feeds and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is over 9 months and still feeding 3 or more times per night.
- Mention if baby is not eating well during the day because they fill up at night.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby is over 9 months and still feeding 3 or more times per night
- Baby is not eating well during the day because they fill up at night
- You are unsure if your baby is ready to night wean
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds
- Baby is a premature or medically fragile infant and you are considering night weaning without medical guidance
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of when should i stop night feeds are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby is losing weight or not growing well and you are restricting night feeds.
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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Related Feeding Concerns
My Baby Still Feeds Excessively at Night
Frequent night feeding is biologically normal for young babies, as their small stomachs need regular refueling. However, by 6 months most healthy, full-term babies who are gaining weight well are developmentally capable of going longer stretches at night. If your baby is still feeding very frequently at night, it may be a habit pattern that can be gently adjusted.
My Toddler Still Wants a Bottle at Night
Night bottles after 12 months increase the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to excess calorie intake and overnight waking. The AAP recommends weaning from bottles by 12-15 months. Gradually reducing the amount in the bottle, switching to water, or replacing the bottle with a comfort object can help break this habit.
My Baby Uses Me as a Pacifier
Comfort nursing is completely normal and is one of the many purposes of breastfeeding beyond nutrition. Babies nurse for comfort during teething, illness, stress, and developmental changes. While it can be exhausting for parents, it is not harmful to the baby. If comfort nursing is affecting your well-being or preventing adequate food intake, there are gentle strategies to manage it.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.