Nursing your little one to sleep can seem like a great idea initially. In theory, it works—your baby appears to doze off while breastfeeding, and you think you can sneak away. But then comes the inevitable moment of trying to unlatch them gently, only to have them wake up and cry out, “Hey, where do you think you’re going?” You find yourself right back where you started, repeating this cycle that can feel endless and frustrating.
As the minutes tick by, it can become overwhelming. I found myself letting my baby linger at the breast, feeling resentful as I struggled to unlatch her and transfer her to her crib. It wasn’t that I minded being her comfort; it was the uncertainty of how long this would continue that really got to me. I knew I had to find a different approach.
Every sleep book emphasizes the importance of bedtime routines, signaling to your baby that it’s time for sleep. We successfully started with swaddling, and telling a little story about our day was a sweet touch. But when it came to the final step of laying her down, we needed a clearer signal that didn’t involve nursing.
So, I came up with a plan. I decided to sing a lullaby three times and then hum it once. As I began humming, I would gently place my baby in her crib and quietly exit the room, finishing the song as I closed the door. I explained my new method to her, hoping she’d learn that humming meant it was time to be put down for the night.
Of course, it didn’t go smoothly at first. She protested, so I would pick her up, sing the lullaby again, hum, and then lay her down. This routine felt more satisfying because it had a clear end for me. Eventually, my baby began to embrace this new routine as well.
What’s Your Go-To Strategy?
What’s your go-to strategy before putting your baby to bed? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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In summary, finding a way to transition your baby to sleep without nursing can be challenging but rewarding. By establishing a consistent routine, you can help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own, making bedtime smoother for both of you.