How do I get my 16 month old to stop nursing to sleep?

Understanding the Challenge
Transitioning your 16-month-old away from nursing to sleep can be a significant challenge, both emotionally and practically. Many parents find themselves in a cycle where their child associates breastfeeding with falling asleep, making it difficult for them to settle down without it. This dependency can lead to nighttime awakenings and a reliance on nursing for comfort, which can be exhausting for parents.
Reasons for Nursing Dependency
At this age, children often seek comfort and reassurance, especially during developmental milestones such as learning to walk or talk. These stages can heighten their need for closeness and security, which nursing provides. Understanding this emotional aspect is crucial as it allows parents to approach the transition with empathy and patience.
Steps to Wean Off Nursing to Sleep
1. Gradual Reduction: Instead of an abrupt stop, consider gradually reducing the nursing sessions. You might start by shortening the duration of each nursing session or eliminating one session at a time. This method can help your child adjust without feeling deprived.
2. Create a New Bedtime Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine that does not involve nursing can help your child learn to fall asleep in different ways. This could include activities like reading a book, singing a lullaby, or cuddling. The key is to make this routine soothing and predictable.
3. Offer Comfort Alternatives: Introduce a comfort object, such as a soft toy or blanket, that your child can associate with sleep. This can provide a sense of security and help them transition away from nursing.
4. Involve a Partner: If possible, have your partner or another caregiver take over the bedtime routine. This can help your child learn to settle without nursing, as they may be less likely to ask for it from someone else.
5. Be Patient and Consistent: It’s essential to remain patient throughout this process. There may be setbacks, and your child might protest initially. Consistency is key; sticking to the new routine will help reinforce the changes.
Emotional Considerations
It’s important to acknowledge that this transition can be emotional for both you and your child. Many parents feel guilt or sadness about weaning, especially if nursing has been a significant source of comfort. Remember that it’s perfectly normal for children to seek comfort in different ways, and this change can ultimately lead to healthier sleep habits for both of you.
Conclusion
Weaning your 16-month-old off nursing to sleep is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to adapt. By gradually introducing new routines and comfort methods, you can help your child learn to fall asleep independently while still providing the emotional support they need during this transition. Embrace the process, and remember that every child is different; what works for one may not work for another.

How do I break the habit of nursing my baby to sleep?

Tips for Weaning Before-Bed Feedings

1. Try a later bedtime.
2. Move the feeding closer to bath time.
3. Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake.
4. Avoid going cold-turkey if your baby wakes between four to six times a night.
5. Use your presence to soothe your baby.
6. Create a consistent bedtime routine.

Why does my 16 month old want to nurse all night?

Many times active toddlers nurse throughout the night to make up for their lack of daytime nursing. Try offering substitutes during the night when he first wakes. For instance, you could offer him a “sippy cup” with water in case he wants to nurse because he is thirsty.

Why does my 16 month old suddenly want to nurse all the time?

As a general rule, toddlers do nurse less often, mostly as nursing sessions are replaced by solid food. But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc. So your toddler may want to nurse a lot sometimes.

How to get a toddler to fall asleep without nursing?

Replace the nursing to sleep session with another close activity, such as cuddling while reading, cuddling while listening to restful music and possibly singing. Another option could be a walk with the toddler in a sling or in a stroller, if your little one will still fall asleep that way.

How do I stop bedtime nursing?

Here’s how: Reduce the time your child feeds by 2-5 minutes every second night. For example, if your child usually feeds for 10 minutes, feed for 8 minutes for 2 nights, then 6 minutes for the next 2 nights, and so on. Re-settle your child after each shortened feed with the settling techniques of your choice.

How do I wean my 16 month old off breastfeeding?

Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions. Start by dropping one feed at a time, perhaps beginning with daytime feeds before tackling bedtime or morning feeds. Don’t offer the breast at routine times, but when starting the weaning process, don’t refuse when asked.

How to stop comfort nursing at night?

Here’s how: Reduce the time your child feeds by 2-5 minutes every second night. For example, if your child usually feeds for 10 minutes, feed for 8 minutes for 2 nights, then 6 minutes for the next 2 nights, and so on. Re-settle your child after each shortened feed with the settling techniques of your choice.

Can I stop breastfeeding at 16 months?

Decide to stop on your own terms
While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests breastfeeding for “1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant” and the World Health (WHO) suggests “continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond,” those are just guidelines.

How to stop breastfeeding at night for a 1.5 year old?

Weaning tips

1. Drop one breastfeed at a time, and wait a few days before you drop the next one.
2. Consider dropping daytime breastfeeds first, then gradually drop any bedtime or night-time feeds.
3. Introduce a few limits, like not breastfeeding when you’re out or feeding only after lunch during the day.

How to stop breastfeeding a 16 month old to sleep?

Try overlaying another sleep association alongside feeding. This can be a toy, blanket, song, arm, all sorts of things! Once this is established you can begin to remove feeding to sleep by gradually reducing the amount of time you breastfeed so they are not falling fully asleep and cuddle the last bit.