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When to Drop Night Feeds: A Guide to Night Weaning

Updated: Jun 25


Dropping night feeds is a huge milestone for both you and your baby. Whether you're just beginning to wonder when your little one will sleep through, or you're actively planning to wean night feeds, this blog will walk you through the when, the how, and everything in between.

But first, a gentle reminder: Every baby is different. There’s no one perfect timeline, and what works for one family might not suit another. Trust your instincts and embrace this milestone in your own time. Always check in with your maternal child health nurse or paediatrician before making changes.


Do I have to night wean?

No, not at all. Many babies naturally reduce night feeds as they grow and their calorie intake increases during the day. Others need a bit of support, especially if feeding has become more of a sleep cue than a hunger need.


Night weaning doesn’t mean sleep training (unless you want it to). You can wean night feeds without doing any formal “sleep training,” and you can sleep train without dropping all feeds.


The key is to tune into your baby’s needs and your goals and create a plan that suits both.

Understanding night feeds by age

0–16 Weeks: Night feeds are essential at this age. Newborns have tiny tummies and need to feed every 3–4 hours to support rapid growth, brain development, and overall health. Their sleep cycles are still developing, which is why frequent waking is completely normal. If you need support during this stage, my 0–3 Month Sleep Guide is a great place to start.


Not the time to night wean.

4–6 Months: One night feed is still very normal and recommended. Around 4 months, babies go through a developmental milestone known as the four-month regression. While it may feel like a step backward, it’s actually a sign their sleep is maturing.

With this sleep shift and bigger tummies, many babies start stretching longer between feeds, but most still need one feed overnight.


You might begin to gently reduce feeds at this stage, with your care provider’s approval.

6 - 9 Months and older Many babies can sleep through without feeding. From 6-9 months, healthy babies who are growing well can often go 10–12 hours overnight without a feed. If you’re feeding every 2.5–3 hours (4 hours maximum) during the day and your baby’s intake is consistent, hunger is less likely to be the cause of night waking.


This is a common time to begin night weaning.


Is my baby waking from hunger or habit?

Whether your baby is waking from hunger or out of habit, night weaning is still possible. I recommend gradually shifting those night-time calories to the day and helping your baby learn to connect sleep cycles without needing a feed to fall back asleep.


Here are a few signs your baby may be waking from habit, not hunger:

  • They fall asleep during the feed and don’t finish the bottle or breastfeed

  • They wake at the same time every night

  • They only take a small “snack” feed before dozing off

  • They still wake despite having solid daytime intake


How do you know when it’s time?

Every baby is different, and timing matters. So, how do you know if your little one is ready? Here are a few important things to consider:

  • Has your health nurse or paediatrician given you the go-ahead? It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider to make sure your baby is gaining weight appropriately and getting enough nutrition during the day before making changes to night feeds.

  • Is your baby feeding well during the day? If they’re having full, consistent feeds every 2.5–3 hours (4 hours maximum) and taking in enough calories, they may no longer need those extra night feeds.

  • Are you ready to make a change? Night weaning is as much about your readiness as it is about your baby’s.


How long does night weaning take?

Some babies adjust within just a few nights, while others need 1–2 weeks (or more) of gentle, consistent support. It all depends on factors like your baby’s age, feeding habits and how many times they’re waking.


Is there a difference between breastfeeding and bottle feeding?

The overall approach to night weaning is quite similar for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. The main difference lies in how you manage the transition, especially if you’re breastfeeding.


When dropping night feeds, your body doesn’t instantly adjust its milk supply. Instead, it gradually learns to produce less milk overnight. During this transition, you may experience engorgement, discomfort, or even risk clogged ducts or mastitis if not managed properly. To help avoid this, it's best to never cut feeds cold turkey and when you follow a gradual approach, you may need to express after a small feed.


Do you have to sleep train to night Wean?

Short answer: No.

You can absolutely night wean without doing any formal sleep training. Many babies naturally drop night feeds on their own once their daytime nutritional needs are met and they’re developmentally ready.

That said, some babies who are heavily reliant on feeding to fall asleep, especially those with a strong feed-to-sleep association, may continue to wake overnight even after their feeds are reduced or removed. In these cases, teaching your baby how to fall asleep without assistance can make the night weaning process smoother and more successful.


You don’t have to choose one or the other, they can go hand-in-hand or be approached separately.


Will they naturally stop on their own?

In many cases, yes. Babies will naturally begin to drop night feeds as they grow, eat more during the day, and become developmentally ready for longer stretches of sleep.


What happens to those calories they're no longer getting?

When reducing or dropping night feeds, it's important to make sure your baby is still getting enough to eat over a 24-hour period. That means increasing daytime intake to compensate for what they’re no longer getting at night.


Here are a few ways to do that during the day:

  • Add an extra feed during the day

  • Offer slightly larger bottles or longer breastfeeds

  • Introduce solids (if your baby is developmentally ready and your health nurse has given the okay)


By shifting calories to the daytime, your baby’s nutritional needs remain met, and it reduces the likelihood of hunger waking them overnight.


What about the “feed-to-sleep” association?

If your baby relies on feeding to fall asleep, night weaning can feel a little trickier, because in this case, it’s not just about hunger, it’s about association and comfort.

Feeding to sleep is incredibly common (and often works beautifully in the early months), but as your baby gets older, it may be something you want to stop.


One simple but powerful change you can make is to restructure the bedtime routine. I always suggest moving the feed to earlier in the routine, rather than making it the last step before sleep. After the feed, pop them into their sleeping bag, read a short story, or sing a calming song. This creates a clear separation between feeding and falling asleep. These small adjustments act like “brackets” around the feed, giving your baby the chance to wind down in other ways, without relying on feeding to drift off.


The idea isn’t to remove comfort, but to separate feeding from sleep, so your baby can learn to fall asleep in other ways.


Want help with night weaning?

I’ve got you!


If you’re ready to start night weaning but not sure where to begin, grab my free mini guide, it walks you through gentle, practical steps to make the process smoother for both you and your baby.


Struggling with sleep, even before wanting to night wean?

You’re not alone.


If sleep feels like a challenge right now, it might help to focus on building a strong sleep foundation first. This can often help babies and toddlers navigate changes more seamlessly, with minimal or no noticeable effects on their sleep.


If you feel you might need more personalised support, I offer phone consults, and one-on-one support through plans. These services allow us to work closely together and address your specific needs.



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I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant, and a mum of three. Everything I share is from evidence-based research, professional training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, real-life success stories from families I've worked with, and the instincts that come from being a mum.


Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding your baby's health and well-being, Babee Dreams does not give medical advice.

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