When your baby wakes up during the night, parents feel the fatigue set in and it’s a source of stress we would all like to avoid, right?
It’s always hard to be woken up at night by your baby’s cries and have to prepare a bottle with powdered milk (or breast milk if you pump feed). How do you make it through the days that follow when this happens? While it’s accepted during the first months, you hope it won’t last too long.
A matter of survival, really.
This article offers useful advice for parents looking to gently wean their babies at night.
SUMMARY:
- Understanding why baby asks for a bottle at night
- Gradually reduce milk amounts to gently wean baby at night
- The solution to wean baby at night: the training cup!
- Final thoughts
Understanding why baby asks for a bottle at night
First of all, to stop nighttime bottles, your baby should be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 13 lbs to be physiologically able to go through the night without eating. Start by trying to understand why your baby wakes up at night to ask for a bottle.
- Is your baby hungry?
- Does drinking a bottle while everyone else is asleep comfort them?
- Or is it simply a habit that’s hard to break? 🙄
Stick to meal and bedtime schedules as much as possible
It’s recommended to keep a decent routine for your child. Ideally, mealtimes should be at the same time every day.
Avoid shifting your child’s schedule too much. If you have an event, try to plan meals out so they can eat on time. If that’s not possible, don’t wait several days before returning to the usual routine.
The dinner meal should be neither too close nor too far from bedtime.
- If you feed your child too early, they’ll be hungry during the night.
- If you put them to bed right after dinner, lying down may disrupt digestion and increase the risk of acid reflux and nighttime awakenings.
Top 20 anti-colic solutions 🍼
Make sure baby isn’t hungry
A baby who struggles with weaning and asks for a bottle in the middle of the night is generally indicating to their parents that they might be hungry. It’s best to make sure that’s not the case. If you notice your baby eagerly drinks their bottle in one go and finishes it all, it’s probably hunger that woke them up.
Gradually reduce milk amounts to gently wean baby at night
If your baby is used to drinking a certain amount of milk at night, try to gradually reduce the amount.
The solution to wean baby at night: the training cup!
If you feel your baby isn’t genuinely hungry, and the nighttime bottle is just a way to self-soothe, it’s time to gently start separation for more peaceful nights!
Do you know about the training cup?
It’s a bottle your baby can easily grasp with their little hands. The training cup stands out from the bottle thanks to its anti-leak spout. This system allows your child to help themselves to a drink and be comforted, even in the middle of the night.
You might say there’s no pleasure in sucking like with a regular bottle! No problem with the Elhée training bottle.
A training bottle and interchangeable bottles, you say?
You can easily fit a physiological nipple (available as a pack of two in our store) onto your Elhée training cup if needed. If you already have a bottle from our brand, you can simply purchase our anti-leak spout duo pack. They are compatible with our innovative BibRonds made from medical grade silicone.
But since the goal is to gradually stop your child’s nighttime need for sucking, ideally you should keep the spout in place.
If baby is thirsty, they can drink on their own without waking you (or risking a wet bed) thanks to the anti-leak system. First teach your child to use it during the day so they can get used to it step by step.
If needed, you can also add a pacifier with a secure pacifier clip to your baby’s bed, which will perfectly satisfy their urge to suckle. 👌
Final thoughts
Night weaning takes time. This process, which can sometimes be challenging, first requires making sure your baby’s bedtime routine includes calming activities (warm bath, stories, lullabies, cuddles, etc.).
The key to weaning is consistency. If you decide to stop giving bottles at night, be sure to stay consistent in your approach. We recommend ensuring a gentle transition so as not to disrupt your baby.
