Feeding to Sleep Explained: Why It’s Normal and When to Make a Change
One of the most common ways families get their baby to sleep is by feeding to sleep. When your baby is a newborn, they often drift off while feeding—this is completely normal. You pop them down, and they may sleep for a few hours.
But a few months later, things change. Your little one isn’t the same sleepy newborn anymore. They might wake as soon as you put them down, or need to be held after feeding. This is also normal, and many mums find themselves feeding to sleep but then holding their baby for the whole nap.
Here’s the important thing: all of this works—until it doesn’t. When it no longer feels sustainable, that’s usually when parents reach out to me for support.
And remember: there are no bad habits when it comes to baby sleep. But when something stops working for you, that’s when it’s okay to make a change.
Feeding to Sleep vs. Falling Asleep Feeding
✨ Feeding to sleep means your baby relies on the breast or bottle as the only way to fall asleep. It becomes a strong sleep association.
✨ Falling asleep while feeding is different. Your baby is tired, full, and naturally drifts off—but the feed isn’t the only tool for sleep.
As a mum of two, I’ve done both. Feeding to sleep is natural and comforting. I still let my baby fall asleep while feeding sometimes—it can be a huge help! But with my first, feeding to sleep was the only way my baby knew how to settle. I quickly found myself waking every single hour for 8 weeks straight (along with a few other nap timing struggles during the day).
So yes—it’s normal for babies to fall asleep while feeding at bedtime or during night wakes. That’s absolutely fine. You don’t need to wake them up before putting them down. The challenge comes when it’s the only way they know how to fall asleep.
My Top Tips to Move Away from Feeding to Sleep
If you’re ready to make changes, here are some gentle strategies:
Check their daytime routine → Make sure your baby is awake long enough to build sleep pressure.
Try different nap settings → Use the pram or front pack for some naps instead of always feeding to sleep.
Add gentle sleep cues → If you’re contact napping, start bum pats towards the end of the feed. These can later be replicated in the cot.
Encourage full feeds → Make sure your baby is taking good, full feeds during the day (not just snacking).
Separate feeding from sleep → Try feeding in the lounge, then moving to the bedroom for sleep.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Moving away from feeding to sleep takes time and patience. For many families, it’s the first big change they make when working on sleep. I’ve been there myself, and I know the change is possible. I also help families every week make these shifts in a way that feels right for them.
If you’re reading this thinking, “I’ve tried everything, and I don’t know where to start,” please reach out.
📧 Email me: fran@hellosleep.co.nz
📩 DM me on Instagram: @hellosleep.nz
I’d love to support your family with moving away from feeding to sleep—if and when you’re ready.
