Up next in How to Feed Your Baby (19 videos)
Learn how to feed your baby properly with these Howcast videos. Advice includes how to know the difference between foremilk and hindmilk; how to increase breast milk production; how to pick finger foods for your baby; how to know when to stop breastfeeding; how to start your baby on solid food; how to bottle feed a baby; how to use a breast pump; how to make baby food; how to burp a baby; and much more.
You Will Need
- Daytime feedings
- Shorter night feedings
- Night-duty partner
Tank up during the day
Feed your baby often during the daytime. Rouse them from naps at least every three hours to feed, and offer extra feedings in the evening so they will be less hungry in the middle of the night.
Diminish night feeds gradually
Cut back gradually on time at the breast, or slowly reduce ounces by bottle, when your baby wakes at night to feed. Prolong feeding intervals by gently patting or rocking your baby.
Wake the baby for a full feeding just before you go to bed, even if they have only been sleeping for an hour or two. This way, the baby will wake you one less time during the night.
Make milk less available
Increase the distance between the baby and your breasts by moving the bassinet further from the bed or moving the baby to their own room. If babies don't smell milk or see mommy next to them, they may be more likely to drift back to sleep.
Increase daytime touch
Offer your baby more physical closeness during the daytime so they don't yearn for it as much at night. Wear your baby in a wrap or sling to increase touch and still get daily tasks done.
Offer a substitute
Trade off night duty with someone else, such as a husband or partner, so the baby doesn't always expect to be comforted by mommy and her breasts. This gives dads the chance to develop their baby-soothing skills.
Don't rush weaning
Night wean only when your baby is old enough to not wake every few hours from hunger. Most babies are several months old before they start sleeping five to six hour stretches at night.