How to Put a Baby to Sleep Without Nursing

Nursing is a natural way to bond with your baby. It is also extremely beneficial to a child's health and development. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that breastfed babies have higher IQs, and a study by the State University of New York's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences shows a sharp decrease in ear infections in breastfed children. However, the decision to wean bedtime nursing is a personal one, and can be a struggle for parents and their babies.
If you decide to stop bedtime nursing, follow these steps.

Instructions

1

Take it slow. Gradual bedtime weaning will help you and your baby adjust more easily. Start by going one or two nights a week without nursing, and work up to none.

2

Stop nursing before the baby falls asleep. Once the baby is sufficiently full and getting drowsy, stop nursing and put the baby to bed.

3

Let Dad be more hands-on at bedtime. Your baby associates nursing with Mom, and may settle down more quickly for Dad.

4

Develop a calming ritual. Give your baby a warm, soothing bath and then snuggle in a rocking chair in a quiet, dimly lit room before bed.

5

Stick to a schedule. If bedtime is the same every night, your baby will begin to get sleepy around that time each night.