Logo - The Possums baby and toddler sleep program.Logo - The Possums baby and toddler sleep program.
menu-icon-libraryfull programsmenu-icon-audioaudio program
what is the possums sleep program?building this program from the scienceresearch that shows it workstestimonials from parents
speak to dr pam
login-iconlogin

Welcome back!

Forgot password
sign up
search

Search programs

Little People + Food icon

Little People + Food


  • Introduction to toddlers and food
  • Toddlers are messy eaters!
  • Things to avoid with infants and foods
  • Toddlers and snacking
  • Breastfeeding and toddlers
  • Would weaning from the breast or increasing the amount of solids your toddler eats help with sleep?

Next article

Sign up now
  • Little People + Food
  • S2: Toddlers + food

Breastfeeding and toddlers

Dr Pamela Douglas22nd of Sep 202323rd of May 2024

mother breastfeeds toddler outside in park

This page belongs to collection of short articles and videos in plain language, called Little people + food. The Possums approach aims to make introducing solids and toddler foods a lot easier than you might hear!

Only the relevant mother or parents can decide what’s right for them and their toddler’s breastfeeding relationship and when to wean. Breastfeeding your toddler as often as you want (or the toddler’s mother wants) is great for toddlers.

A breastfeeding toddler may not eat as much food as a weaned toddler, but that is not usually a problem.

Toddlers might want to breastfeed out of boredom when you are inside the home. Being out and about enjoying friends, walks and activities will better meet the toddler’s sensory needs and shift the child’s focus away from breastfeeding.

When the breastfeeding mother decides to cut back or wean, the toddler’s volume of solid foods will increase. This, however, is not usually a reason to wean until you are ready.

Acknowledgements

I'm grateful to Professor Sophie Havighurst, Ros June, and Caroline Ma at Mindful, The University of Melbourne, for their feedback on the articles and videos in Little people + food (brief & simple). They helped me keep the language plain and the concepts as accessible as possible.

Finished

share this article

Next up in Toddlers + food

Would weaning from the breast or increasing the amount of solids your toddler eats help with sleep?

blue eyed toddler breastfeeds

Weaning your breastfed toddler, or increasing the amounts of solids she eats, won't help with night-time sleep.

  • You can find out about toddlers and food here.

  • You can find thoughts about weaning your breastfed toddler or older child here and here.

If your toddler isn't gaining enough weight according to the WHO percentile charts, please seek your GP's support. But this is still unlikely to cause her to wake excessively at night. Only the most severe situations resulting in hunger are likely to impact your toddler's sleep, such as a severe

Keep reading
logo-possums
decoration

About us

AboutCode of ethicsSpeak to Dr Pam

Programs

Browse sleep programsAudio programsGet advice

Help & Support

FAQsContact us

Legal

Privacy policyTerms & conditions

Get sleep tips and Possums updates straight to your inbox

Receive tips, updates, offers and more from Possums. We respect your privacy, and we'll never spam you. Unsubscribe anytime.

Dr Pam logo

© Dr Pamela Douglas 2025

Visit to learn more about the Possums project