If you have been reading my blog, you know how kids can get attached to certain things at bedtime. Whether it is a favorite toy, a good rocking, or a bottle of milk, these habits - called sleep associations - play a big role in how well your little one sleeps through the night.
One common habit I see is kids needing a bottle of milk to fall back asleep during the night.
Think of it this way - your child wakes up, has a few sips of milk, and drifts back to sleep. It is comforting, like a warm hug in the middle of the night. But if this happens often, it can turn into a routine that is hard to break.
If your child drinks a lot at night, he might start to think that nighttime is just another time to eat. This can confuse his little body and make him believe that waking up at night means snack time.
Now, I am not saying you should suddenly take the bottle away - no one likes a cranky, confused toddler at 3 in the morning! A gentle and gradual approach works best for everyone involved.
When do we change this habit? Well, if your child expects a bottle every time he wakes up, he will likely wake up more often, and that is bad news for everyone’s sleep. Plus, those frequent sips can lead to dental issues, like tooth decay.
Consult your pediatrician before making any diet changes
As a sleep consultant, I know how closely sleep and what your child eats are connected. But when it comes to your child’s diet, your pediatrician is the only go-to expert!!!
Your pediatrician has the training to understand every part of your baby’s health - how they are growing, their specific needs, and any health conditions they might have. Every child is different, and only a medical professional can give you advice that fits your child’s unique situation.
Before you make any changes to your child’s diet, you must talk with your pediatrician. They can guide you on the right feeding schedule and help you make the best decisions for your child’s nutrition. Working together with your pediatrician means your baby will get the right balance of food and rest to stay healthy and happy.
Should you stop all night feedings?
That is a question for your pediatrician! In many cases, completely cutting out night feedings is not necessary, especially for younger infants. Newborns and very young babies often need those nighttime calories!
However, feeding your baby every hour throughout the night? That can wear everyone out - baby included! It might not be necessary, and it definitely disrupts everyone’s sleep. Ask your pediatrician if this is necessary. Your little one might not need to eat that often as they get older.
A more spaced-out feeding schedule during the night could be a better fit. Not only does it help you get some much-needed rest, but it also teaches your baby to sleep for longer stretches.
The number of night feedings really depends on your baby’s age, weight, and health. That is why talking to your pediatrician before making any changes is so important. They know your baby best and can guide you on the right plan that supports your baby’s growth.
So, your pediatrician has allowed you to start making changes to your child’s night feeding routine. Now, let us talk about how to do it gently and without too much fuss.
Gradual Weaning Strategy
Gradual weaning is a soft and easy way to help your child let go of the bottle at night. The idea is simple - slowly reduce the amount of milk in the bottle or mix it with water over time. This makes the bottle less appealing, and your child will start to rely on other comforts instead of waking up for a bottle.
Step 1. Prepare
Before you start, get ready. You want to make sure your child has other ways to feel safe and comfy without the bottle. We call these “transitional sleep associations”.
Comfort object
If you have been reading my blog, you know about the comfort object. This could be a soft toy, blanket, or pillow. Make sure it is something they love. And do not forget - safety first! No small parts that could be a hazard!!
Sleeping words
Another great transitional sleep association. Introduce gentle, reassuring words into your routine. These are simple, soothing phrases you can say to your child that he will start to associate with peace, sleep, and comfort. The key to making these words effective is to introduce them when your child is already calm, so he naturally connects the words with feeling safe and ready for sleep.
1. The best time to introduce sleeping words is when your child is already feeling relaxed and content. This might be during a quiet moment before bed, while you are reading a story together, or even while you are cuddling after a long day. The idea is to pick a time when your child is not upset or overstimulated.
2. Keep the phrases short and sweet. Something like, "It is okay, time to sleep," or "You are safe, close your eyes," works well. The words should be easy for your child to understand and comforting to hear.
3. Once you have chosen your sleeping words, use them every night as part of your bedtime routine. Consistency is key. The more your child hears these words in a calm setting, the more they will start to associate them with feeling peaceful and ready to sleep.
4. It is important to be patient as your child gets used to this new part of their routine. If they do not respond right away, do not worry. Keep using the sleeping words consistently, and over time, your child will start to find comfort in them.
Do not introduce these words when your child is upset or having a tantrum. In those moments, the words may not have the same calming effect, and your child might not connect them with peace and sleep. Instead, focus on using them during calm, peaceful times when your child is already feeling relaxed.
Bedtime routine
Work with your child to create a calm and consistent bedtime routine. This routine should happen every night. Your child must know what to expect because this will help him feel secure. Include the chosen comfort object in this routine. Maybe your child can hold his soft toy while listening to a bedtime story, or cuddle with his blanket.
Relaxing sleep environment
Make sure your child’s sleep environment is as relaxing as possible. This means a comfy bed, a room that is cool and quiet, and minimal light. The more soothing the space, the easier it will be for your child to fall asleep without the bottle.
Step 2. Assess
How often does your child wake up during the night? How much milk is he drinking at these times? What does the current bedtime routine look like? This assessment helps you know where to start and what changes need to be made.
Plan for Gradual Reduction
Develop a clear plan to slowly reduce the amount of milk in the bottle or begin diluting it with water. The key here is to make these changes gradually, so your child barely notices. You might start by cutting back just a small amount of milk or adding a little water to the bottle. Over time, continue making small adjustments.
As you make these changes, keep a close eye on how your child responds. Some children adjust quickly. Others may need a little more time. The important thing is to stay consistent and be patient.
Step 3. Increase the interval between night feedings
1) First, take note of how often your child wakes up to feed at night. This will help you know where to begin making changes.
2) Start with the shortest gap
Use the shortest time between feedings as a starting point to change the schedule. For example, if feedings happen every 2 to 3 hours, start with the 1-hour gap.
3) Gradually increase the time between feeds
Let us say your child is used to a 3-hour gap between feedings. Try to wait at least 3 hours from the last feeding before offering another. If he wakes up before those 3 hours are up, try soothing him back to sleep without feeding. But if he wakes up after 3 hours, it is okay to feed him right away.
4) Add extra time slowly
Every few nights, try to stretch the time between feedings by an additional 30 minutes. This gradual approach helps your child adjust without too much stress.
Step 4. Reduce the milk
1) Begin with a small reduction
If your child usually drinks a full bottle at night, start by reducing the amount of milk by just about 30 ml. Keep the rest of the bottle filled with milk as usual. This small change is gentle and easier for your child to accept.
2) Give it time
Stick with this reduced amount for a few nights. This gives your child time to get used to the change without feeling too much of a difference.
Step 5. Progressive dilution
1) Gradually add water to the milk
Once your child is okay with drinking less milk, start mixing in some water. For example, if your child is now drinking 200 ml. of milk, replace 30 ml. of milk with water, so you have 170 ml. of milk and 30 ml. of water.
2) Increase the water over time
Every few nights, add a little more water and take away some milk. Keep an eye on how your child handles it.
3) Eventually, it is just water
Over a few weeks, you will keep adding more water until the bottle is 100% water. By this time, your child might not be as interested in the bottle and could start sleeping through the night without it.
Stick with your plan
Stick with your plan every night to help your child get used to the new routine. This process can take time - some children might adjust quickly, while others need more time. The key is to be patient and supportive as your child learns to sleep without that nighttime bottle.
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