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Sleep Training vs. Night Weaning: Key Differences and Tips for Better Nights

Lacy Hess • December 8, 2024

Helping Your Baby Sleep Better: The Basics of Sleep Training and Night Weaning

Sleep Training vs. Night Weaning: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a parent looking to get some better sleep at night, you’ve probably heard of both sleep training and night weaning. While they’re often used to tackle overnight wakings, it’s important to know they’re two totally different processes. Let’s break it down!

Sleep Training: Helping Your Baby Sleep Independently

Sleep training is all about teaching your baby how to fall asleep on their own and put themselves back to sleep independently overnight. This means helping them develop the confidence to settle themselves without needing extra help like rocking, nursing, or bouncing every time they wake up.

Here’s what it usually involves:

• Bedtime routines: Predictable steps like bath, pajamas, and a bedtime story to signal it’s time for sleep.

• Consistent sleep environments: A crib/bed, lights off, and some white noise can make a world of difference.

• Self-settling skills: Gradually helping your baby learn to fall asleep without external “props.”

Once babies get the hang of independent sleeping, they often start waking up less during the night all on their own.

Night Weaning: Reducing or Stopping Overnight Feedings

Night weaning, on the other hand, is about cutting back or eliminating overnight feeds when your baby doesn’t need them nutritionally anymore. This usually happens after your baby is eating enough during the day to stay full at night.

What’s cool is that night weaning sometimes happens naturally. Once your baby learns to fall asleep without feeding, they might stop waking up for it altogether! But if the they’re still waking and expecting a feed, night weaning can help them (and you!) get longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

Do You Have to Do Both?

Here’s the thing: Sleep training and night weaning don’t have to happen at the same time. In fact, many parents find it’s easier to focus on one before the other.

Sleep training usually comes first since independent sleep skills can lead to fewer night wakings—and sometimes those overnight feeds start to drop off on their own. But if they don’t, you can tackle night weaning once your baby’s sleeping more consistently.

Trying to do both at the same time? It’s possible, but it might mean a little more crying and a steeper adjustment for everyone.

Finding What Works for Your Family

There’s no “right” way to approach this, and every baby (and parent) is different. Some families take things slow, gradually reducing feeds or gently encouraging self-settling. Others prefer to dive in with a more direct approach.

What matters most is that you choose a path that feels doable for you and your family—and stick with it. Consistency is key, but so is flexibility. Life with kids is always changing, and it’s okay to adjust along the way.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, you’re not alone! If you’d like some extra guidance, I’d love to help. Book a free consultation, and let’s figure out a plan that works for your family so you can bring sleep back to your home. 😴
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Not ready for one-on-one support just yet? That’s okay! Subscribe to my email list to get expert sleep tips delivered straight to your inbox, plus a free guide to my Top 3 Sleep Tips and Sample Sleep Schedules—everything you need to start your child’s journey to better sleep today!

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