Gentle Ways to Wean a Toddler at Night

Somewhere around the time your baby enters the toddler years you might begin thinking about getting more than a few hours of consecutive sleep at night. Whether you sleep in the same room as your toddler or have him in a separate room, you might decide that it is time for him to stop needing to be breastfed at night. Night weaning can take time but it does not have to be traumatic for you or your toddler.

  1. Fill Him Up

    • Make sure your toddler is both nursing and eating consistently during the day so that he is less likely to be hungry at night. Remember he is active and growing, and he needs a variety of meals and snacks. However, because he is so active he may be reluctant to sit down and eat or nurse during the day. Making sure that you have consistent meal and snack times will help him learn to settle down and eat. You can also make an effort to nurse your toddler to sleep when he goes down the first time, so that he is less likely to wake up hungry.

    Substitution

    • When your toddler does wake during the night, substitute his usual nursing session with other comfort measures. Remember, he is used to nursing in order to go back to sleep. Instead, rub his back or tummy, talk softly to him, rock him or sing a lullaby. If he seems thirsty you can give him a sippy cup of water if he is able to drink from one during the day. Keep things calm and quiet at night so that your toddler does not get the idea that interesting activities happen when you would prefer that he sleep.

    Sleep Separately

    • If your toddler has been sleeping in the same room as you, it may be time to move him to a different room to facilitate night weaning. He can sleep in a crib, on a toddler mattress on the floor or in a toddler bed. Show him his new bed and explain that this is his special place to sleep. You can lie down with him initially and get up when he falls asleep. You can go to his room to comfort him if he wakes up upset, or bring him into your bed if he wakes. Being further away from you will help him learn not to nurse as frequently at night.

    Be Patient

    • Night weaning can be a difficult process but it does not have to be traumatic for you or your toddler. It can also be gradual and suited to your needs. You can begin by only allowing your toddler to nurse once or twice during the night instead of four or five times. While you are night weaning your toddler make sure that he is getting lots of positive attention during the day. Cuddle with him and play with him often so that he does not feel like he is missing out on his nighttime attention.

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