Bedtime routines are a cherished part of childhood, offering a comforting end to the day. For many parents, milk is a staple of this nightly ritual, providing both nutrition and a soothing transition to sleep. However, as children grow, their needs change, and it may be time to consider phasing out milk from the bedtime routine completely. I know it can sound scary, but I promise you, the earlier you make this transition, the easier it will be.
In this article we’ll go over how and when to make this change, as well as how to navigate this transition smoothly. To learn more about how to transition your child to cow’s milk (or a milk alternative) in the first place, go ahead and check out this blog.
Understanding the Role of Milk in the Bedtime Routine
Milk often becomes a comforting part of a child's bedtime routine for several reasons:
Nutritional Benefits: Milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for growth and bone development. Many times, we are making sure our baby is going down with a full belly in hopes they will sleep all night and not wake up hungry.
Comfort and Security: The taste of milk and the ritual of drinking it can be soothing, helping children feel relaxed and ready for sleep. Drinking milk before bad can become a sleep association which the child associates with falling asleep or getting drowsy.
Establishing Routine: Consistent routines help signal to children that it’s time to wind down and prepare for bed. If you’ve always used to milk to help your child fall asleep, it has become part of their routine.
When to Start Transitioning your Child to Milk from Formula or Breastmilk
At Tweet Dreamzz we always recommend that from ages 4-12 months old, milk be placed at the BEGINNING of the bedtime routine. When formula or breastmilk is given at the beginning of the routine, we can be sure that any feed-to-sleep association is broken, and baby can use his or her own settling techniques to fall asleep.
Once your baby turns one, we recommend moving any milk OUTSIDE of their bedtime routine. That means milk should be offered with dinner or shortly after dinner and nowhere near their bedtime routine.
I know, I know – this can sound scary, especially if milk has been offered to your baby right before bedtime since they were born. I promise you are not alone, and bottle/breast dependence is one of the reasons we get calls for help from many tired parents across the world.
The issue with keeping a bedtime milk feeding past one year is that baby is using the breast or bottle as a way to initiate sleep and likely needs it in the middle of the night to get back to sleep. It’s also common for toddlers to want or require milk in the early morning.
They often wake early looking for the instant gratification of a bottle of milk or sippy cup. It’s also worth mentioning that teeth are now coming in at rapid fire and removing the bottle from the bedtime routine can help prevent any tooth decay or palette issues in the future.
How to Transition Away from Bedtime Milk?
1. Move the Milk “Feeding” to Before the Bath
It is crucial that milk is now offered at the beginning of the bedtime routine. Your nighttime routine could look something like this:
· Milk with or after dinner
· Play time/outside time/recreational activities
· Bath
· Potty *if applicable
· Book/Song
· Bed
It’s also worth noting that your child might not necessarily “need” milk. As long as baby is getting the same vitamins and nutrients from different food sources, milk may not be a requirement in their diet. If you have questions about your child’s nutrition or diet, reach out to your pediatrician.
2. Introduce a New Comfort Object or Ritual
To replace the comfort of milk, introduce a new bedtime ritual or comfort object. This could be a special bedtime story, a cozy blanket, or a soothing lullaby. The key is to make the new ritual just as comforting and reassuring as the milk was. A lot of our clients replace the bottle with a new lovey or stuffed toy. Keep your mood upbeat even if the transition feels tough in the first few nights without it. (Insert crying, whining or melt down)
3. Maintain Consistency
Once you decide to remove milk from the bedtime routine, stick to it. Consistency is crucial in helping your child adjust to the new routine. If you give in occasionally, it can confuse your child and make the transition harder.
5. Communicate and Reassure
Explain the change to your child in a way that’s appropriate for their age. Reassure them that they’re still loved and cared for and emphasize the positives of the new bedtime routine. Incorporation our bedtime checklist such as this one, can be helpful!
More Tips on Dropping the Bottle at Bedtime
It’s normal for children to resist changes in their routine. If your child is upset or has trouble adjusting:
Stay Calm: Your reaction can influence how your child feels about the change. Be patient and understanding. Redirect as needed. It will only take a few days for them to adjust!
Offer Praise: Encourage and praise your child for adapting to the new routine. For example, “Great job drinking all you’re milk out of your new special cup today!”
Seek Professional Advice such as a Sleep Consultant: If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep patterns, consult us and we’d be happy to take a look at the whole picture to see where changes can be made.
Your Plan for Removing your Child’s Bottle from Bedtime
Removing milk from your child’s bedtime routine is a natural part of their development and can contribute to healthier habits, better dental health and most importantly more consolidated sleep! By understanding the right timing and implementing a thoughtful approach, you can make this transition smooth and positive for both you and your child. Remember, every child is different, so tailor your approach to fit your family’s needs and routines. With patience and consistency, your child will adapt and continue to enjoy a comforting and effective bedtime routine.
Stellina Ferri is the author of this article. Stellina is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and mom of three.
She supports families through the journey of better sleep as a consultant with Tweet Dreamzz Sleep Consulting. She lives in the Boston, MA area with her family.
Stellina is well experienced in sleep coaching twins, babies and toddlers.
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