My son has always been a lazy feeder (that's what the lactation consultant called it). He usually tends to fall asleep nursing and now that he gets bottles more he will fall asleep with those too. He's 5 months old now and it's still the easiest way to get him down to sleep. We haven't started solid foods yet but I plan to in a few weeks.
My question is: Is this a bad habbit I need to break now?
I don't want him to be dependent on a bottle to fall asleep and I would never dream of giving him one in his bed. I don't plan to nurse forever. I'd like him to be able to self soothe enough to fall asleep on his own but I'm also not ready to do the "cry it out" thing yet either.
Should I be worried about this now? Any advice from people who dealt with the same concern?
No, I nursed my son to sleep for many months. I think at about 8 months he started to not fall asleep so I would just put him in the crib and comfort him until he fell asleep. It isn't a problem. Also once they start walking they are so tired they usually just need a nice bedtime routine and they drift off without a problem!
It's only a habit you need to break now if it bothers you to do it. I think learning to fall asleep by yourself is a good skill, and 5 months is a fine time to teach that. Here's what I'd probably suggest if you DO want to do this:
Instead of nursing your baby to sleep last-thing, try nursing him a little earlier - maybe right before his bath instead of afterwards, or keep him awake afterwards for a little bit. Basically, you want him sleepy but not asleep when you put him down. Then you can pat his stomach, tuck him in, sing to him etc. The key is that he can fall asleep while he's laying down, and NOT while he's nursing.
That said, when you feed him during the night I (obviously) wouldn't worry about him falling asleep while nursing - that's your cue to unlatch him and lay him back down to sleep. :)
Hi, I had the same problem with my son when he was 8 months old. He needed a bottle to go to sleep. He is now 2 and a great sleeper. I would highly recommend reading "The No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley. It is awesome and it tells you how to put your baby to bed awake without crying or feeding. Never let your baby cry it out!
I used the same technique with my daughter and she has been falling asleep on her own since about 4 months. Just be patient and it will work! Run out to Barnes and Noble now!
J.:
self soothing is a developmental milestone...it is not a habit one can teach. you are doing a fabulous job and your son will get there when he is ready. although you feel like you are "feeding" him to sleep what you are doing is "nurturing" him to sleep.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Parenting Coach and Board Certified Lactation Consultant
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
