Hello!

How do I transition my 12 month old from feeding to sleep without using the CIO method? I know I’ve created a rod for my own back but I don’t know how else to soothe her to sleep and it was so easy at the time. Rocking and patting don’t work, she just arches her back and squirms. And if we just sit and cuddle, she sits up and wants to get down on the floor.
We have a great night time routine but she won’t go down without it.
Any advise is appreciated, thanks mummas!


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  • Many babies continue to breastfeed to sleep until they are two years old and even later. Slowly they seem to need it less and less until they fall asleep lying next to you or you just put them to bed one night without that last breastfeed.
    But if you really want to break the Feed-to-Sleep Habit
    then here are some steps;
    Feed your baby at the beginning of the bedtime routine.
    Put your baby to bed drowsy but not asleep.
    Don’t go cold-turkey if your baby currently wakes between four to six times a night.
    Don’t panic if your baby falls asleep during a night feed.


  • Don’t worry, the time will come that your child will wean. I don’t think you have created a rod for your own back, you’ve given your child safety and nutrition though breastfeeding. With 12months your child is still very young. When you’re really determined that now is the time to stop the night time breastfeeding, then keep doing what you’re doing. Sooth your child to sleep in different ways, offer a cup of milk before the night time routine, tell it’s time for the boobies to go to sleep and you could also temporary let your husband do the night time routine so your breast are not available


  • Maybe try a bottle instead that’s how my sister transitioned her son. Otherwise maybe let her stay up longer and then try cuddling while she’s more tired or letting her feed but taking her off before she falls asleep and then putting her down to settle. I think they’re all different so hopefully something works for you and your little one.


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