Tips For Successful Weaning At Night

It is important for mothers to keep in mind that the decision is theirs, and only theirs, and there is no “right” age for weaning. Instead, it is a personal decision. Similarly, if you feel ready to wean your baby at night, then we want to offer you some advice.

Whether you are breastfeeding your baby or giving him or her a bottle, do not rush to stop. Over time, your baby will wean. However, if you are feeling tired, irritable or think your baby is physically ready for this change, then this is a good time to start weaning at night.

Questions that arise according to weaning at night

Below, we will discuss some of the most common questions that mothers have when it comes to weaning their baby breastfeeding at night.

How do I know if my baby is ready?

Relax! Every baby is different. If your baby is between  4 and 6 months old, this  is a good time to start weaning at night. At this point, most babies get enough calories during the day to be able to sleep 5-6 hours in a row.

Of course, this  does not mean that your baby will not wake up regularly to be breastfed. However, it is more of a habit than a response to a physiological need. Your baby is used to waking up often to get food. Therefore, you will need time to change this part of his or her routine.

Furthermore, you need to  ask yourself if your baby is trying to establish a bond with you. Breastfeeding is about more than just nutrition.

Some mothers may not spend much time with their children during the day. So, your child may be looking to make up for lost time and want to spend time with you at night.

Another possible reason why your baby wakes up regularly  may be because his or her teeth are erupting. At the same time, your baby may experience other types of discomfort. It could be, for example, colds or other developmental changes.

For all these reasons, it  is crucial that you gradually wean your child rather than make it abrupt. It is a time when your baby needs you and needs to feel protected. Furthermore, if you have any serious doubts, do not hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician.

What steps do I need to take?

Now, we will go on to suggest the steps you should take to successfully wean your baby from being breastfed at night.

• Take into account your baby’s feelings. When deciding to wean your son or daughter, understand that it may cause your child to experience feelings of frustration. Be respectful of your child’s feelings, which are completely understandable.
• You must not deny your own feelings as a mother. It is common for mothers to feel guilt and relief at the same time. Try not to be too hard on yourself.
• Analyze the moment when you want to start weaning at night. If you are moving, expecting another baby or about to send your child to daycare, this is not the best time to start weaning. In the midst of a sensitive moment or a change in the family, it is best not to begin the weaning process.
• Your baby will need more attention and love  to compensate for this absence.
• Offer plenty of food and fluids. When your baby wakes up and wants to be breastfed, offer alternatives such as milk, infant formula or water.
• Put your baby in his or her own bed. The exciting feeling of getting bigger. or sleeping with a sibling in another room can make the process easier. However, your child should not see it as a duty. Also, do not force the child to do so if there is resistance.
• Involve your partner in the weaning process. The process tends to be much more effective once fathers understand what this change means for their baby. Fathers need to step in to comfort their baby when he or she is upset. They must offer distraction, affection and support.
• Take a step back or stop if necessary. It is important to be flexible and willing to make adjustments if things do not work out. Even if you were sure of your decision, you can always take a step back and wait a little longer if you have to.

Weaning at night according to experts

There are many experts who have expressed their opinion according to this topic. First of all, the  WHO (World Health Organization  ) recommends  exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life. Furthermore, they recommend that breastfeeding continue – along with supplemental food – until children are at least 2 years old.

The pediatrician, Richard Ferber, also talks about this topic  in his book, titled Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems. According to Ferber, numerous, unnecessary awakenings during the night can lead to sleep disorders.

Ferber’s theory states that if a child wakes up several times to eat or due to digestive problems, it can create a vicious circle with a desire to eat even more.

Finally, pediatrician William Sears  highlights the benefits of nocturnal breastfeeding in strengthening the bond between baby and parents. He urges parents not to make a nocturnal weaning or slow it down as much as possible. However, this is only the case if the nighttime breastfeeding is not a problem for the family.

In his book,  The Baby Sleep Book, Sears contributes strategies on how to get your baby to sleep. He also comes up with advice on how to breastfeed the baby in bed so that the nightly breastfeeds are easier for parents.

In conclusion, these are just suggestions and opinions. Like any other parenting decision, the decision on how and whether to wean your baby is to be breastfed at night, yours, and yours alone. Do what you think is best for you and your baby.