Getting baby used to going to sleep without the breast

Baby used to suckle almost constantly in utero and this is a need that is quite present during the first 3 months of life, but which naturally fades.

So baby may need to suckle but not necessarily to be fed, and it's hard to tell the difference.

A hungry newborn will turn its head quite quickly when its cheek is touched. It's a birth reflex, but it's stronger when baby is hungry.

If your baby is used to falling asleep at your breast, you can get him used to staying in the same position on your arm but removing the nipple from his mouth if he stops suckling.

This is the 1st step in slowly changing his habits. Little by little, place him in his bed but leave a hand on him. Then stay without touching him...

Once the baby is used to no longer having the nipple in his mouth, it's a good idea to let the co-parent do the bedtime feeding whenever possible.

If you find that your baby is refusing the bottle and still prefers the breast, read our article on the different tips you can follow to help him accept the bottle.

Discover the Ma Petite Laine birth cocoon:

Innovation for baby's sleep

Created by a paediatric physiotherapist, baby sleeps without flinching.