If you’re dealing with night wakings, you’ve probably wondered: Do I need to night wean? Are night weaning and night wakings related? Will night weaning actually help my baby sleep?
You’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions parents ask in the early years.
In a recent episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I sat down with Rachael Shepard-Ohta from Hey Sleepy Baby to talk through these exact concerns.
This blog post will walk you through the key takeaways - but if you want the full nuance, the episode is absolutely worth a listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
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Is Night Weaning Necessary?
One of the biggest misconceptions around night weaning is that it’s something you have to do.
According to Rachael, that’s not the case.
Night weaning is not required. There is no universal age when you must stop feeding your baby overnight. If breastfeeding at night is working for you and your baby, you can continue.
That said, there are a few things to consider…
If your baby is under 12 months, milk is still a primary source of nutrition. Actively reducing night feeds too early can impact intake. This is especially true for babies who are separated from their parent during the day. Some babies naturally “make up” for that connection and feeding time overnight.
After 12 months, the decision becomes more personal.
Night weaning can be something you might consider if:
You’re feeling touched out or depleted
Your sleep is significantly impacted
Your mental health is suffering
For little ones over 12 months, night weaning is a relationship decision. It’s about meeting your baby’s needs, and it’s also about yours. There’s no right or wrong - what matters is being supported to figure out what feels right for you.
Will Night Weaning Stop Night Wakings?
This is often the hope, but the answer is: not always.
For many families, night weaning can reduce night wakings. Some babies may even begin sleeping longer stretches.
But it’s not guaranteed.
Some babies will continue waking, even after night feeds are removed. If that happens, you may lose your quickest way to settle them back to sleep.
That doesn’t mean night weaning is wrong - it just means it’s not a guaranteed fix.
If you’re considering it, go in with realistic expectations. You might see improvement - but you might also need new ways to support your baby at night.
How to Know If Night Wakings Are Normal
Night wakings are a normal part of infant sleep. Babies wake for many reasons, including hunger, connection, and development.
But sometimes, frequent waking can feel intense or ongoing.
So how do you know what’s normal?
Rachael suggests looking beyond the waking itself.
Ask yourself:
Has this been going on for weeks or months?
Are there other signs, like restlessness or discomfort?
Is your baby snoring, mouth breathing, or pausing in their breath?
These can sometimes point to underlying factors that may be affecting sleep.
It’s also helpful to consider context. For example, increased night wakings are common during:
Developmental changes (like crawling or walking)
Illness
Travel or routine changes
Big transitions, like starting daycare
In these cases, sleep disruptions are often temporary.
You might also like: How Much Sleep Do Babies Need (What's Normal?)
A More Supportive Way to Approach Night Weaning
At its core, night weaning is not just a sleep strategy - it’s a relationship.
It involves your body, your baby, and your connection.
For some families, continuing night feeds feels right. For others, gently reducing them brings more balance.
There isn’t one correct path. What matters is making a choice that feels sustainable and supportive for both of you.
Want the Full Conversation?
In the full episode, we go deeper into:
Real-life night weaning experiences
What to do if your baby still wakes after weaning
How to approach night weaning gently and responsively
Baby sleep red flags to be aware of
Listen to the full episode to hear the full Q&A and walk away with a clearer, more grounded understanding of night weaning and night wakings.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.