Tips for weaning and sleep association!

[Newmummy2026]

decided I want to start weaning my 8 month old off breastfeeding, more so overnight as she has developed a strong feed to sleep association. Meaning she can’t sleep independently without being breastfed. She wakes every 1-2 hrs overnight, mostly for comfort not feeding and to get back off to sleep. (unless she is co-sleeping in our bed, which I want to stop also as my back is broken and I want my bed with my husband!) I’m exhausted, and can feel my mental health suffering, raging hormones, depression and just not having any me time is really taking its toll on me.

I’ve heard you have to go through 2/3 rough nights at first. Then eventually baby learns to sleep independently, connect cycles and sleep for longer stretches.

Just need advice on how best to start this and anyone who’s already done this how long did it take before your baby slept independently without breastfeeding?

Does she take a soother?

It’s not advised to completely restrict night feeds under 12 months. I’d personally start by moving her bedtime feed to downstairs after dinner, then go up for bath, books and settle her to sleep another way. What’s her usual schedule? Waking thst often suggests she needs less day sleep and / or a later bedtime so shes more tired.

She is not on a pacifier and I don’t want her to be. I moved her bedtime feed to first thing and downstairs away from her bedspace. Settling, soothing with patting and singing. She naps very little in the day, usually 2 naps no longer than 30-40 mins at a time. She wakes independently from them i don’t know how to lengthen her day naps?

Have a look at the the No Cry Nap Solution by Elizabeth Pantley for tips on extending those naps so she’s well rested. For me I found good naps helped a lot with sleep at night.

Can I ask what her BFing and food schedule is like during the day?

I found that keeping them well tanked up during the day also helped.

Have you tried moving her to her own room yet too?