How do I get my 2 year old to stop night feeding?

Understanding Night Feeding in Toddlers
Night feeding is a common practice for infants, but as children grow, many parents find themselves grappling with the challenge of weaning their toddlers off nighttime feeds. If your two-year-old is still waking up for milk at night, it’s essential to approach this transition thoughtfully and gently.
Recognizing the Need for Change
By the age of two, many children no longer require nighttime feedings for nutritional needs. However, the habit can persist due to comfort or routine. Understanding the concept of “learned hunger” is crucial; this refers to the idea that children may wake up out of habit rather than genuine hunger.
Gradual Reduction of Night Feeds
One effective strategy is to gradually reduce the amount of milk your child consumes at night. If your toddler typically drinks a larger volume, consider cutting down the amount by 20-30 ml every few nights. For instance, if they usually drink 180 ml, reduce it to 150 ml, and continue this pattern until they are no longer reliant on nighttime feeds. This method allows your child to adjust slowly, minimizing potential distress.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can significantly help in reducing night feedings. Ensure that your child is well-fed before bed, and consider “tanking up” on milk during the day, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. This strategy can help them feel fuller and less likely to wake up hungry.
Communicating the Change
It’s important to communicate with your toddler about the upcoming changes. Discuss the transition during calm moments throughout the day, presenting it as a natural part of growing up. This can help your child mentally prepare for the shift away from night feedings.
Alternative Comfort Strategies
As you begin to wean your child off nighttime feeds, it’s beneficial to introduce alternative comfort methods. Encourage your toddler to self-soothe by providing a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This can help them learn to settle back to sleep without needing milk.
Cold Turkey vs. Gradual Weaning
Some parents opt for a more abrupt approach, known as going “cold turkey,” where they stop all nighttime feedings at once. While this method can be effective for some, it may lead to more tears and resistance from your child. Assess your child’s temperament and your family’s needs to determine which approach might work best for you.
Conclusion
Transitioning your two-year-old away from night feedings is a significant step that requires patience and understanding. By gradually reducing milk intake, establishing a comforting bedtime routine, and communicating openly with your child, you can help them adjust to this new phase. Remember, every child is different, so be flexible and responsive to their needs as you navigate this change together.

Why does my 2 year old want to breastfeed all night?

Toddlers who nurse frequently are typically doing so out of comfort, rather than necessity. While it is important to understand the root cause of your little one’s desire for comfort nursing, there are different ways to begin night weaning that may help you – and your toddler!

How do I get my 2 year old to stop comfort nursing at night?

If she’s used to breastfeeding for comfort before sleep, try replacing it with another form of comfort- like reading a book, hugging a soft toy, cuddling, etc. During the day, you can also try replacing a breastfeeding with offering a snack, which might help keep her full enough to sleep through the night.

How do I break my night feeding habit?

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 get my 2 year old off milk at night?

Try a different drink or a sippy cup / cup & straw. Encourage them to drink before getting into bed and maybe distract them in bed with a story or nursery rhyme.

What is bottle mouth syndrome?

​Bottlemouth syndrome is a special form of tooth decay in very young children. It is caused by prolonged exposure to milk or sugary liquids. Children at risk for bottlemouth syndrome take bottles of milk or juice to bed at naptime and bedtime. They also carry sugary beverages or milk around during the day.

How to wean a 2 year old off night feed?

Tip #3: Gradually reduce nighttime feedings.
If bottle feeding, slowly decrease how many ounces your baby drinks at the first overnight feeding. If breastfeeding, try shortening the duration of nighttime feedings by 1 – 2 minutes each night until it’s more of a snack than a full meal.

How do I get my 2 year old to sleep through the night without feeding?

At Bedtime: Move your feeding earlier in his bedtime routine. I’d try moving it right after his bath time. After his bath, I’d get him ready for bed. Then I would give him the milk while we read a book together. Have the overnight lights turned off to have that darkness, help him produce melatonin and get sleepy.

At what age should a toddler stop drinking milk at night?

By a year old, your baby is getting their nutritional needs met with daytime meals and snacks, so they don’t need the calories from breast milk or formula to get them through the night. If you’re breastfeeding, there’s no need to wean your child completely yet.

How to tell if baby is waking from hunger or habit?

It all depends on your specific baby. To determine if your baby is waking due to hunger, consider the duration of their longest sleep stretch. If they’ve slept for 5+ hours but now wake every 2 hours, it’s likely not hunger-related, and other soothing methods can be employed.

Do toddlers sleep better after night weaning?

By Kaya Thorpe IBCLC, Revised May 2022.
Night weaning can be difficult with toddlers and it is not necessarily guaranteed to improve sleep. It also doesn’t mean they will be happy settling for someone else at night time either.