At what age do babies not need a night feed?

[Tapster]

I am still BF my DD of 7 months - she is finally eating plenty of solids but still has a BF once a night. What age should I try and stop the night feeds. My Millpond book says that at 6 months babies dont need feeding at night - my DD did as she has only recently started eating 3 meals a day. Feeding once a night is alot better than it has been but I think sometimes she really doesn't need the feed and more often than not she isn't interested in milk when she wakes at 7am.

[katyjo]

Hi Tapster, I know this is going to seem like really crap advice but I would just go with the flow. My ds used to have a dream feed and sleep really well but I read in some stupid book (which shall remain nameless) that you should stop thos around six months as they should be able to go through the night without it, Ds didn't go through without it and maybe I'm too soft but he didn't really settle into a proper pattern again for ages. Just do what works for you, once a night is really good, it is probably more comfort than milk that she wakes for.

Do what suits you, but don't listen to books, trust your instinct.

Good Luck
xx

[NAB3]

I was still feeding mine at 6-7 months. The HV said to stop it and tbh it gave us the confidence to try settling without feeding but only you knows whether your baby needs the feed for food or for comfort/settling, etc.

[HuwEdwards]

same as NAB

[ProfYaffle]

dd1 was having one night feed until she was 9mo. It was v quick and we were both back in bed asleep after 10mins so i didn't see it as a problem. Loads of people told me it was habit, she didn't need it, I should knock it on the head etc etc but she stopped of her own accord when she was ready.

If you're happy with how she's feeding then don't worry about it, you only need to do something about it if it becomes a problem for you.

[chilledmama]

Some babies always want a NF regadless of age...I wouldn't pay too much attebtion to what the books say on this subject as all babies are very different. However if you don't think she needs then you could try weaning her off it...try only letting her latch on for a limited time etc...for more extensive advice (and more accurate) you need to find TikTok, she is the font of all BF knowledge!!!

[flibbertyjibbet]

Both my whopper sons had such big appetites that the older one was still having a night feed (bottle, as his brother had arrived by then) occasionaly till 15m and I now give ds2 (12m) a bottle if he wakes in the night. The alternative is crying for ages and waking up lots until I do feed him. There is no strict timetable to all this. Its like saying that ALL children should be potty trained at 2 years old or walking at 11m etc etc.
Ignore the books, do what feels right for you and baby.

[christywhisty]

I don't think the size of the baby matters, both mine stopped their night feed at 3 months, spontaneously, they just didn't wake up for it one night. DS was on 9th centile when he was born and was on the 91st by his first birthday for weight, so managed to do a massive amount of growing without a night feed.

[Izabella]

I totally agree with what everyone has said. Try different things and then stick with what works best. Try cutting out her nightfeeds for one or two nights and see what happens. If she doesn't sleep through then you know she still needs them.

I agree, I think we place too much importance on these books. We should be looking first and foremost to our babies because they will give us the best indication what is right for them.