Try this if your baby will only feed to sleep
As any new parent can attest, babies often develop a strong association between feeding and sleeping. For those who feel stuck because their little one will only nod off after a feed, there’s a gentle method you can try over the next few days. This technique doesn’t involve eliminating feeding altogether but rather introduces additional comforting sleep associations.
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Understanding Sleep Associations
Sleep associations are the cues or activities that help your baby transition from wakefulness to sleep. Often, feeding is the primary association, which can become challenging if your baby relies solely on this to sleep. The aim here is to gently introduce other associations that will assist your baby in falling asleep without needing to feed every time.
Introducing New Sleep Associations
For two to three days, every time you feed your baby to sleep, incorporate an additional sleep cue. At first, this might seem like a counterintuitive step—adding more associations while trying to eliminate one—but think of it as creating a soft transition for your baby.
Here’s how to begin:
Patting and Rocking: As you’re feeding your baby to sleep, start gently patting their back or bottom and introduce a rhythmic rocking motion. This combined action helps build a bridge between feeding and sleeping by forming a new comforting pattern.
Consistent Practice: Repeat this process consistently for the first few days. This helps your baby form a connection between falling asleep and the new soothing actions of rocking, patting, and shushing.
Gradual Shift Away from Feeding
Once your baby is accustomed to these new sleep associations over a few days, you can gradually minimize the feeding aspect without making it too abrupt for your baby.
Watch for Sleepy Cues: Begin to end the feeding session when you notice your baby starting to slow down, such as less active sucking or when their eyelids start to droop.
Increase New Associations: At this point, ramp up the rocking, patting, and shushing. This reinforces those associations as comforting and familiar to help ease your baby into sleep.
Embracing the Process
It’s natural for your baby to show some resistance at first, perhaps fussing for a couple of minutes. However, with consistency, they will adjust and become more comfortable with these new routines.
After several nights, start to subtly reduce the sleep associations. The goal is for your baby to fall asleep without needing any specific action as a crutch.
Practice Patience and Consistency
Yes, it takes time and patience, but this method can ease your child into a more independent sleep routine, reducing reliance on feeding. As with any transition, each baby will respond differently, and slight adjustments may be necessary depending on your baby’s unique needs.
If you have questions or seek further support, engaging with parenting communities or consulting with sleep specialists can provide personalized guidance. Remember, you’re not alone, and finding the right sleep solutions for your family is a journey worth taking.
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If you need more support
I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.
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Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP