From breast to bottle: Weaning toddlers from night feeds

12:50 (GMT+2), Wed, 20 July 2011

If you realise, as you apply the hints below, that this is not quite right for you or your baby, make peace with night feeds and accept the love compliment your baby is giving you by waking to nuzzle at night. It’s hard to believe, but this will also ensure that he wakes less frequently for feeds!

Cease all previous efforts and do nothing for two weeks to lessen any pre-existing stress.
Increase shared activity with your toddler during this time.
Always wear nightclothes that do not allow easy access to your breasts.
Increase frequency of day feeds.
Try patting your toddler to sleep when he calls you at night.
Turn your back if he goes straight for your breasts.
You should consider moving out for a few nights – harsh, but sometimes the only possibility if you are desperate.
Leave your little one with Granny for a few nights.
Try the ‘puzzle’ position: where Dad sleeps with his head at the foot of the bed, and your toddler can gently be shown that he has to do the same!
Keep refusing feeds for two hours and comforting your toddler in other ways such as rocking and patting, to help break habitual drinking.