Gina Johnson
Night weaning an 18-month-old can be a challenging task for parents. Toddlers who nurse frequently are often doing so for comfort rather than necessity. There are several strategies that can help with the weaning process, such as gradually shortening nursing sessions, offering distractions and substitutions, and involving other family members to help with sleep-time routines. It is important to be patient and consistent during this transition, as it may take a few weeks or longer for your toddler to adjust to their new routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Replacement comforter | Introduce a replacement comforter before beginning the night weaning process so that the toddler becomes less dependent on breastfeeding. |
| Shortening feeds | Talk to your toddler about having "a little bit." Pull off the breast by breaking the seal just before your toddler is about to drift off to sleep and encourage them to do the last bit on their own. |
| Visual aids | Use a Gro-clock to indicate when it is time to breastfeed. |
| Books | Read books like "Nursies When The Sun Shines" by Katherine C Havener, which explains to the toddler that they will be able to nurse when the sun comes up. |
| Settling with a partner | Allow your partner to settle the toddler without breastfeeding. |
| Bedtime routine | Establish a bedtime routine that is not centered around breastfeeding, such as reading books or offering cuddles and music. |
| Communication | Explain to your toddler that it is time to wean, and involve them in the process by letting them pick a "weaning day." |
| Don't offer, don't refuse | Breastfeed the child when they ask, but don't offer when they don't. |
| Distractions | Offer substitutions and distractions, such as a snack or drink, instead of nursing. |
| Cuddles | Offer cuddles and hugs to replace nursing at night or naptime. |
| Gradual reduction | Gradually reduce the number of feeds, dropping one feed every few days. |
| Alternative comfort | Replace nursing sessions with alternative ways to reconnect and be physically close, such as rocking, reading books, or giving back rubs. |
| Pumped breast milk | Replace nursing sessions with pumped breast milk or whole milk in a cup, and involve other family members in feeding. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Shorten feeds and replace with a comforter
Shortening feeds and replacing them with a comforter is a great way to wean your 18-month-old from nursing to sleep. Nursing is a special act of bonding and closeness that is important and precious to the mother-baby relationship. However, it can become a problem when it gets in the way of some important aspects of growing up, such as self-soothing to sleep.
To begin the process of weaning, you can introduce a replacement comforter well before starting the night-weaning process. This could be a cuddly toy, a song, or a book. The idea is that your toddler will begin to associate comfort and sleep with the new comforter rather than with nursing. You can then slowly shorten the length of feeds, especially before bedtime, by unlatching your toddler before they fall asleep and encouraging them to finish the last bit on their own.
It is important to be consistent with the new bedtime routine and to keep the connection with your toddler, even if you are no longer breastfeeding. You can also try getting help from your partner or other family members with the bedtime routine and night wakings.
Remember that weaning is a gradual process, and it may take some time for your toddler to adjust to the new routine. It is also important to follow your instincts and watch for any signs of resistance or distress. If your toddler is extremely resistant to weaning, you may need to slow down the process or try a different approach.
Teaching Your 6-Year-Old to Sleep Independently
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Get your partner to settle the child
Getting your partner to settle the child is a great way to share the load and give you some much-needed rest. It can be difficult to get your child to accept someone else settling them, but there are some strategies you can try.
Firstly, ensure your partner follows the same routines as you do as much as possible. Teach your partner your nap and bedtime routines so they can replicate them. Once your child has accepted your partner at bedtime, you can start to introduce them at night. Show your partner how you settle your child, so they can do the same. If your child is younger and falls asleep via breastfeeding, try to help them fall asleep with rocking instead, so your partner can do the same.
If your child is resistant to your partner settling them, it may be that they are more receptive to different methods. Your partner could try rocking or cuddling your child to sleep, or you could try a replacement comforter, such as a cuddly toy, which your partner can give to the child.
If your child is happy to settle with your partner, this can be a good technique to night wean. Your partner can go in first and try settling the child, and if it doesn't work, you can go in and breastfeed them back to sleep.
Remember, it's important to communicate with your child about what's going on. Many children this age can understand the concept of stopping nursing, and you can explain that nighttime is for sleeping, not nursing. You could also try a book such as "Nursies When The Sun Shines" by Katherine C Havener, which explains that nursing will happen when it's morning.
Teaching Toddlers to Sleep Solo: A Parent's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Explain the concept of stopping nursing
Breastfeeding is a major part of a mother's life and a central part of a child's life. While many mothers choose to wean naturally, allowing the child to outgrow the need gradually, it is important to know that there is no set number of years that you should nurse your baby. If you and your child enjoy breastfeeding, there is no reason to stop. However, if you are ready to wean but your child is unwilling, you may feel tense or resent breastfeeding. They may sense your frustration, which can make them ask for more feeds, creating an unpleasant vicious cycle.
If your child is around 18 months old, you can gently but firmly tell them no while staying in tune with and sensitive to their unique needs. You can explain that nighttime is for sleeping and not nursing, and that they can nurse when it's morning time. With consistency and patience, your toddler will begin to understand and eventually stop waking overnight to nurse.
You can also try to gradually shorten the length of any overnight nursing sessions. This can be especially effective if you are experiencing nursing aversion. Nursing aversion is a negative feeling some mothers get when feeding, often driven by hormones. Shortening the feeds can work well in this case. You can talk to your toddler about having "a little bit". To start with, tackle the bedtime feed, and encourage them to do the last bit on their own.
It is recommended that you breastfeed exclusively until your baby starts eating solid foods, usually around 6 months. Once you introduce solids, it is best for your baby if you keep breastfeeding until your baby is at least 12 months old. After that, it is up to you and your child how long you keep going.
Training Your 7-Month-Old to Sleep in Their Crib
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Change daily routines
Changing daily routines can be an effective way to wean an 18-month-old from nursing to sleep. Here are some strategies to consider:
Avoid Nursing Triggers
Try to avoid the "nursing chair" or other usual "nursing stations" in your home, especially during the times when your toddler would typically ask to nurse. Standing up can also help deter nursing, as it is more challenging to nurse while standing.
Break the Association
If your toddler usually nurses upon waking, try getting up before them and having your partner or another family member do the morning routine. This helps break the association between waking up and nursing.
Anticipate Nursing Sessions
Stay one step ahead by anticipating when your toddler is likely to ask for nursing and offer substitutions and distractions instead. For example, offer a snack or a drink, or engage in an activity they enjoy.
Change Your Schedule
Alter your daily schedule to minimise nursing triggers. For instance, instead of going straight home after picking up your toddler from daycare, go to the grocery store or another location first. This can help disrupt the routine and reduce the urge to nurse.
Gradual Reduction
Gradually reduce the number of feeds you offer, dropping one feed every few days. This gradual approach can help ease both you and your toddler into the transition.
Replacement Comfort
Introduce alternative ways for your toddler to find comfort and reconnect physically. This could include sitting together and rocking, reading books, snuggling on the couch, giving back rubs, or spending extra time playing together or going for walks. These alternatives can help replace the comfort they seek through nursing.
Remember, weaning is a process that requires time, flexibility, and consistency. Be patient with yourself and your toddler, and don't be afraid to seek support from family, friends, or professional counsellors if needed.
Weaning Your One-Year-Old: From Nursing to Sleep Independence
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Offer distractions and substitutions
Offering distractions and substitutions is a great way to wean your 18-month-old from nursing to sleep. This method can be especially effective if you are experiencing nursing aversion.
First, try to anticipate when your toddler may want to nurse and plan to distract them or offer a substitution. For example, you could offer a favourite snack, a drink, a favourite pastime, a playdate with a friend, an outing, a walk outside, playtime outside, or a favourite book. You are more likely to succeed with this method if you employ it before your toddler indicates a need to nurse. If your child typically wants to nurse more when you are at home, try to be out and about more during the weaning process. If your child seems to need to nurse more when you are out, try to stay close to home as much as you can while you wean. If sitting down in a certain chair cues your toddler to nurse, try to avoid doing that, or anything else that may remind them of nursing.
You could also try shortening the length of nursings or seeing if your toddler accepts a postponed nursing. For example, telling them they will be done when you finish singing a certain song, or counting to 20 may help with the transition. If your toddler doesn't understand the concept of waiting or time, this may not be helpful.
You could also try to substitute their least favourite feedings first. If your toddler won't accept a bottle from you, see if another caregiver can succeed. It may also be helpful if you are not in the room or home, so your toddler cannot smell you.
Remember, weaning does not need to be all or nothing. If weaning is your decision, it's best to do it gradually and lovingly. If you wean "cold turkey", your breasts will likely become painfully engorged, and you might develop a breast infection.
Weaning Strategies for Breastfed Toddlers Who Nurse to Sleep
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you are ready to wean, but your child is unwilling, you may begin to feel tense or resent breastfeeding. Your child may sense this and ask for more feeds, creating a vicious cycle. If this is the case, it may be time to consider weaning.
You can try to gradually shorten the length of any overnight nursing sessions. You can also try to replace nursing sessions with other ways to reconnect and be physically close, such as sitting together and rocking, reading books, or giving your child a relaxing back rub.
You can try to introduce a replacement comforter well before the night weaning process begins, so your toddler can become less dependent on breastfeeding. You can also get your partner or other family members involved so your toddler gets used to feeds being given by someone else.
You can try to avoid the "nursing chair" or other usual "nursing stations" in your home. You can also try to breastfeed earlier in the night so that feeding isn't part of the bedtime routine.
