Hello!

I have an 8 month old but despite many attempts at cutting out her night feeds she just won’t settle (with or without assistance) when she wakes during the night. She will wake every 3-4 hours and require feeds (if she wakes with less time between she will re-settle). She has 3 breastfeeds during the day and has solids 3-4 times during the day, and is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. Help, this mum needs her sleep back!


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  • There are many different things you can try as a replacement for breastfeeding; cuddling, stroking, patting, singing, use of a special toy or blanket, music, white noise, whatever works best for you. Some will work better than others and everyone is different.


  • Reduce the time your child feeds by 2-5 minutes every second night. For example, if your child usually feeds for 10 minutes, feed for 8 minutes for 2 nights, then 6 minutes for the next 2 nights, and so on. Re-settle your child after each shortened feed with the settling techniques of your choice.


  • I would hope as this is years old you have your answer! My first was horrible we did controlled crying because after 2hrly feeds for the first 6 months I was exhausted!


  • I started to water down my kid’s night feeds (obviously helpful if you’re bottle feeding). Perhaps discuss it with a lactation consultant or your early childhood nurse.


  • It is hard, but if my memory is right , the first year is like that. Just sleep during the day when she sleeps and then you will find waking up wont be so bad. I used to wake up before they cry and people told me I was amazing . I am a programmed robot I think .


  • yeah i demand fed so i found that it was after one year.


  • Thanks mom143044, it’s nice to know I’m not alone. And if bubs can make that choice then maybe I’ll let her do so. Have tried just being mean and cutting her off but both of us end up upset by that (and sleep deprived). Thanks again


  • My 9 month old is still having 2 feeds a night. I feel your pain, it’s exhausting. From what I’ve been told, babies can/will feed at night until they are 12 months old, and then are more likely to drop their night feeds.
    Some people are lucky and get babies that sleep through from 6 months old, unfortunately I’m not one of those lucky ones!
    My 4 year old fed once a night until she turned 12 months old, and then started sleeping through. I’m hoping it will be the same with my 9 month old.
    I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but unfortunately, they will just drop it when they are ready. If it’s any consolation, I’m up at night with you! :)


  • You poor thing! Can someone else do the settling at night as if it’s Yu they will smell the milk?


  • Hmmmm, no idea really. They should be sleeping through if they’re not hungry,mand your ps is on solids so shouldn’t be hungry


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