Baby sleep training: Night weaning

Night weaning is a long process. Before weaning, mothers should consider whether the baby's condition will respond to the change and whether your health can continue to stay up at night to breastfeed.

Night weaning for babies has many different times. As early as 4-6 months, when the calories provided during the day have been met, the baby does not need to wake up to eat at night anymore.
Night weaning time often coincides with the period when the baby needs to go through many physical changes such as teething, colds, ... This is also the period when mothers move from staying at home to take care of their children to going to work.
In general, night weaning needs to be done step by step because the baby is still young and needs a lot of comfort, closeness and mental reassurance from the family.

Night weaning can start from 4-6 months of age. Many families delay the weaning period because of concerns that the child is at risk of malnutrition. However, at this stage, the baby mainly wakes up to eat out of habit, not because of hunger.

If you often lack sleep because your baby wakes up at night to feed, you should think about early night weaning provided that the baby has developed enough physically to adapt to the change. On the contrary, if you prefer to breastfeed at night, there is no need to wean your baby at night, this habit will fade over time.
If you are not sure whether to wean your baby or not, you can consult your doctor. Your doctor can help you answer questions and make decisions based on your baby's developmental level.

In his book "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems," pediatrician Richard Ferber says that unnecessary night feedings can cause sleep problems. According to Ferber, babies who wake up asking for food many times a night can be caused by wet diapers or digestive problems, etc. which can make them want more feeds, creating a vicious cycle.
On the other hand, pediatrician William Sears emphasizes the benefits of night feeding on strengthening the parent-child bond. Sears recommends that parents do not rush to wean at night when it does not affect the family too much. In The Baby Sleep, Sears offers strategies such as “sharing” sleep and breastfeeding in the lying position (easily feeding).
So the decision is up to you, think to do what's best for you and your family.

You can refer to some tips for weaning your baby at night as follows:
Start the weaning process slowly: Feed your baby for a shorter time from each breast at night or reduce the amount of milk in the bottle during the day night. Try to extend the interval between feeds by coaxing your baby back to sleep. Make sure your baby gets plenty of milk throughout the day: As your baby grows and becomes more active, he tends to bottle feed during the day and make up at night. To make sure your baby is getting enough milk, you should divide feeding times, feeding in a quiet place. If you're not sure your baby is getting enough, check his growth by taking him to the clinic. Feed your baby more at night: If your baby is fed enough before going to sleep, the likelihood of waking up at night to ask for a feed will be less. You can even wake your baby up for a final feed or "dream feed" before going to sleep on his own. Avoid night weaning when schedules change: If you're going back to work or on a family vacation. If you haven't had much free time during the day lately, make sure to spend more time cuddling your baby at night. Ask your husband to comfort you when your baby cries at night: If you are a nighttime caregiver, your body odor or milk may make your baby want to suckle. Instead, if you're sharing a bed, consider placing the bassinet next to your husband's bed. Gradually reduce feedings: Gently soothe and comfort your baby when he wakes up to feed and explain that it's time to sleep, not eat. You should practice putting your baby to sleep by telling him, "I'm going to breastfeed or bottle-feed in the morning, now it's time to go to sleep." Speak firmly and gently while patting the baby's back or belly, do not pick him up. Although your child is too young to understand your words, they will gradually understand the meaning.
In many cases, babies only cry a little for a night or two before adjusting to the new schedule. If you're trying to reduce the number of feeds and your baby cries uncontrollably for several nights in a row, go back to your normal routine and try again in a week or two.
In addition, in order to prevent diseases that babies often get, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.

Reference source: babycenter.com