is 18 months too early for nightweaning?

[cdmommie]

We nightweaned our 18 month old about a month ago, but she still wakes up about 4 times every night. Does this mean she still needs to nurse or is it maybe just habit at this point?

And if we keep the nursing out of bedtime, how do I keep her in my bed without nursing. We moved her to the crib for the whole night and honestly I just don't feel right about it, but I don't know how else to keep her from nursing.

[sunnygir1]

We night weaned around 18 months, and my dd was ready. She did still wake in the night (and still does at 3.5) but less frequently, and after the initial transition she didn't ask to nurse when she woke. We moved her to the next room on a mattress on the floor. We used a full mattress so that I could lie with her at bedtime or in the night and sleep with her as needed.

I don't know how to night wean while co-sleeping, but maybe once the night weaning is successful you could bring her back to your bed if you want?

We first weaned between midnight and 5am, the first time she woke after 5 we'd bring her into our bed until we got up. She could nurse then too.

[LadyCatherine185]

We nightweaned between 19/20 months (took a month to do it) and DS was still waking 2-3 times a night.. We had to move him to his own bed and have DH take over nightwakings. He then started only waking up about once a night. He didn't start STTN consistently until about a month ago, once all of his teeth were in (the 2 year molars took FOREVER!). Even though he still woke up, he was definitely ready for nightweaning. He didn't ask to nurse after we finished nightweaning, and went back to sleep quickly for DH with no tears.

good luck!