A gentle guide to baby sleep support: How To Night Wean A Toddler Gently A Step By Step Approach For 12 24 Month Olds

# How to Night Wean a Toddler Gently: A Step-by-Step Approach for 12-24 Month Olds If you are reading this at 3 AM while rocking your toddler back to sleep, take a deep breath. You are doing an incredible job. Parenting a toddler is a beautiful, exhausting journey, and if you are feeling touched out and sleep-deprived, you are absolutely not alone. Many parents reach a point between 12 and 24 months where night feedings are no longer sustainable for their own rest and well-being. Perhaps you are returning to work, or maybe your body is simply asking for a full night of sleep. Whatever your reason, deciding to night wean is a valid and healthy choice for your family. The good news is that you do not have to choose between your child's emotional security and your need for sleep. You can absolutely night wean your toddler gently, without leaving them to cry alone. This guide will walk you through a compassionate, step-by-step approach to night weaning that honors your bond and supports your toddler's transition to longer stretches of sleep. [create a daily schedule](/sleep-schedule) [upcoming sleep regressions](/regression-predictor) [download free sleep printables](/free-printables) ## Understanding Night Weaning at 12-24 Months It is important to note that while night weaning can be beneficial, it is not always the right time. There are certain situations where it is best to postpone night weaning: - **During illness:** If your toddler is sick, has a fever, or is otherwise unwell, their primary need is comfort and nourishment. Postpone night weaning until they have fully recovered. - **During major life changes:** Moving to a new home, starting a new daycare, or the arrival of a new sibling are all significant events for a toddler. These are not ideal times to introduce another major change like night weaning. - **During a developmental leap:** Toddlers go through many developmental milestones, which can temporarily disrupt sleep. If your toddler is in the midst of a major leap, it is often best to wait until things settle down. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your toddler's growth, development, or overall health before beginning the night weaning process. They can provide personalized advice and ensure your toddler is thriving. Before we dive into the steps, it is helpful to understand what is happening developmentally for your toddler. Between one and two years of age, most toddlers no longer need calories during the night for physical growth, provided they are eating well during the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that by 12 months, most babies can sleep through the night without a feeding [1]. However, nursing or bottle-feeding at night is rarely just about hunger for a toddler. It is about comfort, connection, and regulation. Your toddler uses feeding as a tool to transition between sleep cycles. When they wake up in the dark, the familiar warmth of a feed helps them feel safe enough to fal