Sleep Training vs. Night Weaning: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common misconceptions about sleep training is that it automatically means night weaning—but in reality, these are two completely different things.
Understanding the difference between sleep training and night weaning can help you set realistic expectations and create a plan that aligns with your baby’s needs and your family’s goals.
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training is the practice of teaching independent sleep—meaning your baby learns to fall asleep and back to sleep on their own, without external help like rocking, bouncing, or feeding to sleep.
The goal of sleep training is to create healthy sleep habits that allow your baby to settle easily at bedtime, sleep longer stretches, and wake up well-rested. In addition, it allows parents the freedom (both mentally and physically) of knowing their child doesn’t require their presence to sleep well.
What is Night Weaning?
Night weaning is the gradual process of eliminating overnight feedings so your baby can sleep through the night without needing to nurse or take a bottle.
The timing of night weaning varies for each baby and depends on factors like:
✔️ Age and weight
✔️ Overall calorie intake during the day
✔️ Mom’s breastfeeding goals
Can You Sleep Train Without Night Weaning?
Absolutely! One of the biggest myths about sleep training is that it requires cutting out night feedings—but that’s simply not true.
Many families choose to sleep train while still keeping necessary (or desired) night feeds. A baby can be fully sleep trained and still wake for one or more feedings overnight. The key is that they learn to fall asleep independently at bedtime and after night feedings, rather than relying on feeding as the only way to fall asleep.
I have worked with many families who:
🔹 Need to keep night feedings due to medical or nutritional reasons
🔹 Want to maintain breastfeeding supply by keeping an overnight feed
🔹 Prefer to see if their baby will night wean naturally, on their own
How to Sleep Train While Keeping Night Feedings
If you want to sleep train but aren’t ready to night wean, here’s how to approach it:
→ Feed with intention – Keep night feeds calm, consistent, and functional, rather than feeding your baby to full sleep.
→ Encourage independent sleep – Lay your baby down awake at bedtime and after night feeds, so they learn to self-soothe.
→ Keep a clear feeding plan – Decide how many feedings to maintain and which wakings will be for comfort vs. sleep support.
→ Work with a sleep consultant – A personalized sleep plan can help you balance sleep training with your unique feeding goals.
Final Thoughts
Sleep training and night weaning are not the same, and you don’t have to night wean in order to have a great sleeper! Whether you choose to keep night feedings or transition away from them, the key is finding a sleep approach that supports both your baby’s needs and your family’s well-being.
Need support? Let’s create a plan that works for you!
