How Do I Drop Night Feeds? A Gentle Night Weaning Plan

By Paola Mendoza, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant (CPSM) · Last updated September 2026

Quick answer: Most healthy, full-term babies can go all night without a feed somewhere between 6 and 9 months, once they're gaining well and eating solids, but check with your pediatrician first. The gentlest way to drop night feeds is to reduce them gradually over 1 to 2 weeks instead of stopping all at once.

When can my baby stop eating at night?

Many babies are ready between 6 and 9 months. Your pediatrician confirming readiness for your specific baby isn't optional, and it's the first thing I ask families about.

How does night weaning work?

There isn’t one right way. The best approach depends on your baby’s age, how many feeds they have, whether you nurse or bottle feed, and how your baby falls asleep at bedtime. For most families, a gradual approach over 1 to 2 weeks is the gentlest on your baby and on your milk supply.

Before you start, check these signs:

Signs your baby may be ready

• Usually 6 to 9 months or older
• Growing well, with your pediatrician’s OK
• Eating solids and full feeds during the day
• Feeds briefly at night, then falls right back asleep

What makes it smoother

• Moving calories into the daytime
• Separating feeding from falling asleep
• Going gradually, not cold turkey
• One consistent plan for every caregiver

Want a night weaning plan made for your baby?

The Restful Nights Plan covers night feeds, bedtime and night wakings together, with 14 days of daily support while you do it.

See the Restful Nights Plan

How do I make night weaning go smoothly?

Three things make the biggest difference:

• Add the calories back into the day. Offer an extra nursing session or bottle during daylight hours so total intake doesn't drop. This is the step most people skip.

• Separate feeding from falling asleep. If your baby still needs to nurse or take a bottle to fall asleep at bedtime, night weaning will be much harder. Address bedtime first, then night feeds.

• Send someone else in for a few nights if you can. A baby who can smell milk will ask for milk.

Should I night wean and sleep train at the same time?

Night weaning and sleep training are two different projects. You can do one without the other, and for many families it's easier to space them a week or two apart. If your baby wakes every couple of hours, read why a 6 month old wakes every 2 hours first.

Will dropping night feeds hurt my milk supply?

A gradual reduction over 10 to 14 days is the gentlest option for supply. Adding feeds during the day helps too. If you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Night weaning FAQ

How many night feeds does a 6 month old need?

Many 6 month olds need one night feed or none, but it depends on growth and daytime intake. Your pediatrician can tell you what's right for your baby.

How long does it take to night wean?

Usually 1 to 2 weeks with a gradual approach, depending on how many feeds your baby has.

Do all babies night wean at the same age?

No. Readiness depends on growth, daytime intake and your pediatrician’s guidance, which is why timing is part of every plan.

Can I drop night feeds without crying?

Gradual reduction keeps protest low, especially when the calories move to the daytime and feeding is separated from falling asleep.

Keep reading: How Long Does Sleep Training Actually Take?

Not sure your baby is ready to drop feeds?

Let's look at your baby's age, growth and nights together and make a plan that feels right for your family, before you spend a dollar.

Book a Free Discovery Call