Understanding your plan

Daytime feeds are usually the easiest to adjust first, because the day is full of distractions and other things to enjoy. We gently swap or shorten one daytime feed at a time so your child barely notices the change — a snack, a cup, a walk or a cuddle can happily take its place.

Night feeds often carry the most comfort, so we save them for later in the plan and move slowly. The idea is to gradually reduce the time or amount, and build up other soothing routines, so your child still feels safe and settled as this feed fades.

Bedtime feeds are often tied to falling asleep. We gently separate “feeding” from “falling asleep” by adding a predictable wind-down — a story, a song, dim lights — so sleep no longer depends on feeding alone.

When a feed goes away, your child still needs the closeness it gave them. These steps offer other ways to comfort — cuddles, rocking, a favourite toy, extra one-on-one time — so the connection stays strong even as the feeding changes.

Weaning is an emotional milestone for both of you. These steps are gentle reminders to check in with your child's feelings — and your own — and to celebrate small wins along the way.

Now and then you'll see a calm “good to know” note for the week. It's simply there so you know what to keep a casual eye on — not a warning that something will go wrong. For most families, the week passes smoothly.

The gentlest and most popular pace. You slowly trim how long and how often your child feeds over several weeks, dropping one feed at a time. Because each change is small, most children barely notice, and you have plenty of room to slow down or pause whenever it feels right.

A faster, more decisive stop, usually best suited to children over 12 months who are eating well and ready. It can feel more intense for a few days, so it works best when you can offer lots of extra closeness and support while your child adjusts.

You simply stop starting feeds yourself, yet you still say yes if your child genuinely asks. It lets your child lead the pace, which can feel very natural — though it can take a little longer and works best with older toddlers.

A quietly effective middle path. Each day you gently push a feed a little later and make it a little shorter. Over time the feeds naturally shrink and drift away, without a single dramatic "last" feed — helpful for feeds that are tied to habit or timing.

A lovely option when another trusted adult can help. Your partner (or another caregiver) takes over settling and comforting — especially at night — so your child learns that comfort and sleep don't have to come from feeding. It also gives you a welcome bit of rest.

Instead of simply removing a feed, you swap it for a specific, repeatable ritual — a cuddle, a favourite book, a particular song. Your child still gets closeness and comfort at that moment, just not through nursing. This works well alongside almost any pace, and tends to reduce protest because nothing is simply taken away without something replacing it.

You let go of daytime feeds first and keep the morning and bedtime feeds for last. Days are full of distractions and easy substitutes, so these feeds are usually the simplest to release — a gentle place to begin.

You start with the night feeds to gently loosen the link between feeding and falling asleep. It can mean a few more wakeful nights at first, but many families find sleep improves once this connection softens.

You follow your child's cues and let go first of whichever feed they already seem least interested in. It's the most flexible order and keeps things feeling natural, moving at exactly the speed your child is ready for.