How do I wean my 10-month-old from nighttime breastfeeding?

Weaning a 10-month-old from night breastfeeding is a patient process for both baby and parent. First, know that at this age, discontinuing night feeds is physiologically possible since babies can go through the night on daytime nutrition from both breast milk and solid foods starting at 6 months.

One of the most effective approaches is gradual reduction and dilution of night nursing. For example:

• Eliminate one night feed first, replacing it with your partner's comfort (patting or gentle rocking) instead of nursing.
• When baby wakes, try waiting 1-2 minutes before offering the breast, then use comfort measures first.
• When you do nurse, gradually shorten each session by 1-2 minutes each night.
• If you have a partner, have them handle night awakenings for a while—babies often forget about nursing when they don't smell mom.

The most critical point: consistency. Nursing one night and not the next confuses your baby. Apply the same routine for 3-5 nights, and the pattern usually settles.

It's worth consulting your pediatrician: if your baby's nighttime crying disrupts sleep for both of you, weight gain stops, urine output significantly decreases (no wet diapers for 8+ hours), or fussiness spreads into daytime hours, night feeding might be a genuine need requiring professional evaluation.