There comes a point when night feeds begin to feel less like nourishment and more like a pattern no one knows how to change. Baby wakes. You feed. Everyone settles. A few hours later, it begins again.
For many families, night feeds naturally reduce between five and twelve months. Some babies are ready earlier, especially if they are gaining well and taking enough calories during the day. Others need more time. The right moment depends on growth, feeding, comfort, and your pediatrician's guidance.
A gentle approach begins during the day. Babies who are well fed before bedtime are often better able to stretch overnight. A calm, full feed in the evening can help reduce the need for frequent waking.
Some families use a dream feed, offering milk late in the evening before the parent goes to sleep. Others slowly stretch the time between night feeds, adding small increments each night. Some reduce the amount offered gradually so baby adjusts without a sudden change.
The goal is not to withhold comfort. It is to separate hunger from habit with care. If baby wakes and does not truly need milk, a cuddle, shush, pat, or brief reassurance may be enough. At first, this may feel unfamiliar to both of you. With consistency, the body and routine begin to adjust.
Dropping a night feed does not need to be dramatic. It can be quiet, gradual, and kind. One less wake-up at a time, your nights can begin to open again.