Night weaning effective from "summary" of The Happy Sleeper by Heather Turgeon,Julie Wright

Night weaning can be an effective and gentle way to manage sleep problems for a baby or toddler. It involves reducing the amount of night-time feeds your little one receives, gradually over time until they are charting their own night-sleep rhythms with minimal parental involvement.

Deciding when to wean is highly individual, as each family’s situation is unique. Therefore, it's important to consider short-term versus longer-term sleep goals to determine the best time to start.

Keep an eye on the wake window between naps and nighttime sleep - making sure not to exceed 45 minutes awake in between the two throughout the day.

Monitor for signs of tiredness that could indicate it's time for bed much earlier than predicted, and always make sure the environment is restful and free from disturbances.

If there is any resistance whatsoever from the child, take a step back while still providing comfort during the crying spells so they learn it is ok to go back to sleep by themselves eventually.

To improve chances of success, try to create a good bedtime routine that starts about 30 minutes before you put your baby in the crib. This gives both of you time to settle down and prepares them for a restful sleep.

Lastly, implementing strategies near sleep time helps the child get used to expecting sleep around these activities. For instance, dimming lights, switching off electronic devices or dressing into more comfortable clothing.

Ensure to plan ahead for a few nights by enlisting support if possible to take turns taking care of the baby through nights. This will help in giving yourself enough rest throughout the process.

At times it may feel discouraging when progress feels slow, however it is essential to find persistence and be consistent with letting your child know that they can learn how to self-settle!