Promoting bad sleep habits?

ceg2483

My LO typically goes to sleep right after nursing (when she's full).

We have a good schedule:  she goes to sleep between 7-8, maybe wakes up once more and gets "topped off", my DH gives her a dream feeding bottle before he goes to bed, she wakes to eat at 5, wakes for the day at 7.  Pretty great for a three month old.

Every single time she goes to sleep, it's like someone turned off a switch.  There's no warning and BAM--she's full, unlatched, and sound asleep.  I know she's full b/c if I gently wake her up and try to get her to eat more, she doesn't want it.

My question:  Has anyone run into this establishing bad sleep habits?  She does sometimes comfort suck before she naps.  How in the world would you break this cycle (and would you)?  I don't want to stop her and put her to bed before she's done eating...it seems counter-intuitive.

 

tlynnus

I'm sorry, I don't understand the problem...What cycle are you trying to break?

DS has pretty much the same sleep schedule as your LO and it has been this way since he was 3 months old. I don't think waking during the night will cause bad sleep habits. BF babies need to eat frequently and this includes during the night. 

ZaraLou

I do the same thing as you and my dd also comfort sucks before she goes to sleep..I never really thought of it as a problem..I don't plan to do anything about it..do what works!

ceg2483

tlynnus:

I'm sorry, I don't understand the problem...What cycle are you trying to break?

DS has pretty much the same sleep schedule as your LO and it has been this way since he was 3 months old. I don't think waking during the night will cause bad sleep habits. BF babies need to eat frequently and this includes during the night. 

I've read/heard a lot about "Don't let them fall asleep while nursing, do the drowsy but awake thing".

I guess I don't really see my routine as a real problem-- but some books make it sound like it is.  I guess I'm curious if a LO's reliance on nursing for sleep has ever escalated into something more problematic than the situation I"m describing.

tlynnus

I haven't read any of the different books out there regarding sleep habits for babies but I have heard this before too. Personally, I think that it is crap! LOL. I couldn't keep DS from falling asleep if I tried. He is happy falling asleep this way and if it keeps him happy, it keeps me happy! I don't believe that this will prevent him from learning how to fall asleep on his own because he does do that too on occasion. 

patrickandkim

My LO will sleep and nurse at the same time, but I don't do the comfort suck.  She will take a pacifier, so that works for her.  However, if nothing else works you do what you got to do.