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Night weaning a toddler gently. Starting tonight. Anyone with me?

8 replies

OhWifey · 21/10/2020 18:19

I'm night weaning with a gro clock just like I did with my eldest. Moon means no milk, sun means milk allowed. First night will be changed from moon to sun a very short time after waking. I've positioned it so I can do this surreptitiously. The first night is to show her it DOES change. And to cement the rules of the clock. We've done practice runs lots through the day today. If all goes to plan then tomorrow it'll be longer before I change it to sun.
This method worked really well with eldest. Let's see how this one goes!

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OhWifey · 21/10/2020 19:22

Forgetting the bedtime wee wasn't the finest way to start

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OhWifey · 23/10/2020 10:49

Will update for people reading in future.

First night woke at 11, cried bitterly as soon as I told her the clock was blue. Only let that go on for a minute before making the clock yellow.

Got bitten by the lack of bedtime wee...4am sheets change.

Second night woke 12.30am. Showed her clock was blue. Didn't cry but was upset. I counted to 20 three times with her eyes closed. Made the clock yellow on the third count.

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OhWifey · 24/10/2020 08:22

Night three. Grumbled a lot at 10.30, again a little at 2. Not up properly til 4.45! Doubt it was clock related so early in the process but I'm not complaining. Clock was set to sun at 4am so she got to see that milk would immediately happen for a yellow clock.

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Dillybear · 24/10/2020 13:54

It sounds like it’s going really well so far. It’s a really clever way to do it, with a gro clock. Hoping the progress continues for you tonight.

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Izzywhizzy123 · 24/10/2020 21:26

Can I ask how old your toddler is? I have a nearly 20 month old who I am sooo ready to night wean but she is sooo not and I can't be bothered to force her into it. As she no longer feeds during the day I don't think I could use this technique but following keenly anyway. Well done mama!

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OhWifey · 25/10/2020 08:53

Night four: woke at 12.30 and she was really upset like the first night. I sung quite a few nursery rhymes. A bit regretful that I made the clock yellow the first time she buried her head down, as she might've gone to sleep then

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OhWifey · 25/10/2020 08:54

@Izzywhizzy123

She's nearly 3! I've wanted to night wean for a very very long time but I've always tried to parent gently and by instinct and it's only now that I've felt the time is right for both of us

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OhWifey · 26/10/2020 07:33

Night five: woke at 2.20. Sang a bit and the crying is pitiful. It's so hard. Then started to count instead which was much more effective. She fell into a restless sleep but definite progress. Clock came on and she woke up shortly after very happy. We have her a huge clap this morning which she really loved. She doesn't really remember what happens in the night which is great, but I am very much of the view that just because a child doesn't remember being distressed, doesn't mean it isn't harmful.