There's a common belief that stopping night feedings will make night wakings disappear. However, the reality is more complex, and research does not support this idea unequivocally. Night wakings in children are influenced by a variety of factors, and simply stopping night feedings might not resolve the issue if the child isn't developmentally ready to sleep through the night.

Understanding Night Wakings

Night wakings are a normal part of infant and toddler development, and most children outgrow them naturally. Young children often wake up at night for various reasons, including hunger, teething, developmental milestones, or needing comfort. It is essential to recognize that night feedings serve both nutritional and emotional purposes.

There is no evidence to suggest that reducing or stopping night feeds will prevent night wakings if your toddler is not developmentally ready to sleep through the night. Stopping breastfeeding or night feedings is a personal choice between you and your baby, and it should be based on both of your needs and readiness.

Factors Influencing Night Wakings in Children

Night wakings in toddlers and young children can be attributed to a variety of developmental, environmental, and physiological factors. Understanding these can help parents address their child's night wakings more effectively.

1. Nutritional needs:

Younger toddlers may still require nighttime calories for growth and development. Breast milk and formula are not only sources of nutrition but also provide comfort and security. For some children, the need for these nighttime feedings may persist beyond the first year, especially during growth spurts.

A study by Brown and Harries (2015) suggests that nighttime breastfeeding may play a role in meeting the nutritional and emotional needs of young children, particularly in the first two years of life

2. Emotional security:

Nighttime feedings often provide comfort and reassurance to infants and toddlers. The act of feeding is closely tied to emotional bonding between the parent and child. This comfort can be particularly important during periods of stress or change, such as starting daycare or experiencing separation anxiety. Teti et al. (2010) found that maternal emotional availability at bedtime is a significant predictor of infant sleep quality. Children who feel secure and comforted by their parents are more likely to develop healthy sleep patterns.

3. Sleep cycles:

Toddlers have shorter sleep cycles compared to adults, which means they naturally wake up more frequently during the night. As they transition between sleep cycles, they may briefly awaken and seek comfort or reassurance to help them fall back asleep.Galland and Mitchell (2010) highlights that the consolidation of sleep in young children is a gradual process influenced by their developing circadian rhythms and sleep architecture.

4. Developmental milestones:

Developmental milestones, such as learning to walk, talk, or climb, can disrupt sleep. These milestones often come with increased cognitive and physical activity, which can lead to more frequent night wakings as the child's brain processes new skills (Hysing et al. , 2014)

5. Teething and physical discomfort:

Teething is a common cause of night wakings due to the discomfort and pain it causes. Similarly, other forms of physical discomfort, such as illness or changes in the environment (e.g., temperature, noise), can lead to disturbances in a child's sleep.

6. Environmental factors:

The sleep environment plays a crucial role in how well a child sleeps. Factors such as room temperature, light, noise levels, and the presence of a comforting object (like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal) can significantly affect sleep quality.

Practical Implications

Understanding these factors can help you create a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of night wakings. Here are some practical considerations:

- Observe your child: Pay attention to your child behaviour and cues to determine if they still need night feedings. For example, if your child wakes up crying and feeds briefly before falling back asleep, they might still need the nutritional or emotional comfort that night feedings provide.

- Gradual weaning: If you decide to reduce night feedings, consider doing so gradually. This approach helps your child adjust without causing undue stress. For instance, you can slowly decrease the amount of milk offered during night feeds or lengthen the intervals between feeds.

- Alternative comforts: Introduce other comforting bedtime routines, such as a favourite blanket or a bedtime story, to help your child transition. Creating a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your child that it’s time to sleep, providing comfort and reducing anxiety.

- Create a conducive sleep environment: Ensure that your child’s sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and cool. The use of white noise machines can help mask disruptive sounds.

- Address developmental needs: Allow your child ample time during the day to practise new skills and burn off energy. This can help them feel more tired and ready for sleep at night.

- Seek professional guidance: If night wakings persist and significantly impact your family’s well-being, consider consulting a paediatrician or a sleep specialist. They can provide personalised advice and rule out any underlying medical issues.

Conclusion

While night weaning can sometimes help reduce night wakings, it's not always a surefire solution. It's crucial to approach this transition with gentle methods, keeping your child's emotional and developmental needs in mind. Gradually reducing the duration of night feeds over several nights can help your little one adjust without added stress.

Remember, each child is unique in their sleep needs and patterns. Focus on creating a consistent bedtime routine that makes your child feel secure and comforted. Know that night waking is a temporary phase, one that many children will naturally outgrow. With patience and understanding, you can navigate this challenging stage together, fostering a peaceful and comforting sleep environment for both you and your child.

References

- Brown, A., & Harries, V. (2015). Infant sleep and night feeding patterns during later infancy: Association with breastfeeding frequency, daytime complementary food intake, and infant weight. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 11(2), 204-217.

- Galland, B. C., & Mitchell, E. A. (2010). Helping children sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(3), 195-203.

- Hysing, M., Harvey, A. G., Torgersen, L., Ystrom, E., Reichborn-Kjennerud, T., & Sivertsen, B. (2014). Trajectories of sleep problems from infancy to preschool age and their associations with mental health. Journal of Sleep Research, 23(2), 139-146.

- Teti, D. M., Kim, B. R., Mayer, G., & Countermine, M. (2010). Maternal emotional availability at