Nighttime feeding weaning refers to the process of gradually reducing or eliminating nighttime feedings for infants and young children. This typically involves decreasing the frequency and duration of overnight breast or bottle feedings as children grow older and no longer require nutritional intake during nighttime hours[1][2].
Potential Benefits
Research suggests several potential benefits of nighttime feeding weaning:
- Improved sleep for infants and parents: Reducing night feedings may help consolidate sleep and lead to longer sleep durations[1][3].
- Promotion of healthy eating patterns: Shifting caloric intake to daytime hours may support the development of regular meal/snack routines[4].
- Dental health: Limiting nighttime bottle use may reduce the risk of early childhood caries[5].
- Weight management: Some studies indicate nighttime feeding may be associated with increased adiposity in infants[4].
Strategies for Nighttime Weaning
Common evidence-based strategies include:
- Gradual reduction: Slowly decreasing the duration or volume of nighttime feeds over time[2][6].
- Delayed response: Gradually extending the time before responding to nighttime waking/feeding cues[6].
- Substitution: Offering alternative soothing methods like rocking or pacifiers instead of feeding[2].
- Daytime feeding optimization: Ensuring adequate nutrition and feeding opportunities during waking hours[4][6].
Recommendations
While individual readiness varies, general recommendations include:
- Consider partial night weaning from around 6 months of age for formula-fed infants, once solid foods are well-established[2][6].
- For breastfed infants, night weaning may be appropriate from 9-12 months, though some experts support continuing night feeds up to 2 years if desired[2][6].
- Implement weaning gradually over several weeks to allow physiological and behavioral adaptation[1][6].
- Maintain responsive feeding practices, adjusting approaches based on the child’s cues and developmental needs[3][6].
- Consult with a pediatrician before night weaning infants under 6 months or those with medical/growth concerns[2][6].
It’s important to note that nighttime feeding needs can vary significantly between individual children. Parents should consider their child’s unique developmental stage, growth, and nutritional requirements when deciding on night weaning strategies[1][3][6].
References:
[1] Brown, A., & Harries, V. (2015). Infant sleep and night feeding patterns during later infancy: Association with breastfeeding frequency, daytime complementary food intake, and infant weight. Breastfeeding Medicine, 10(5), 246-252.
[2] Raisingchildren.net.au. (2021). Night weaning & phasing out night feeds.
[3] Tully, K. P., & Ball, H. L. (2018). Maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems: The role of nighttime feeding. Journal of Human Lactation, 34(3), 498-507.
[4] Loy, C. T., Toh, S. L., Cheung, Y. B., Chan, Y. H., Godfrey, K. M., Gluckman, P. D., … & Yap, F. (2017). Predominantly nighttime feeding and weight outcomes in infants. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106(1), 142-149.
[5] Feldens, C. A., Rodrigues, P. H., de Anastácio, G., Vítolo, M. R., & Chaffee, B. W. (2018). Feeding frequency in infancy and dental caries in childhood: a prospective cohort study. International Dental Journal, 68(2), 113-121.
[6] Geddes, D. T., Gridneva, Z., Perrella, S. L., Mitoulas, L. R., Kent, J. C., Stinson, L. F., … & Hartmann, P. E. (2021). 25 Years of research in human lactation: From discovery to translation. Nutrients, 13(9), 3071.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8604149/
[2] https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/sleep/settling-routines/night-weaning
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25973527/
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522045506
[5] https://huckleberrycare.com/blog/night-weaning-101-how-and-when-to-night-wean
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2720507/
[7] https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2021/september/new-mums-relax-breastfeeding-at-night-is-fine-says-expert
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505270/
[9] https://www.babycenter.com/baby/sleep/baby-sleep-training-night-weaning_1505721
[10] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/189894
