Creating new sleep associations

bluesapph

LO associates milk with sleep.  I need to create some new sleep associations.  He takes a pacifier after the bottle and the paci is only to sleep.  I'd like to create some new associations so we can phase out the milk as part of the sleep routine.  I was thinking of an object but I don't want to use a stuffy/lovey just yet.  Any other ideas?  I need something that will work for naps and bedtime.  

Mrs.Purdue

we use the sleep sheep for naps and bedtime - also a sleep sack.  when we put her in that and turn on the sheep, she knows it's time for sleep!

Nicki Boston

we use "bed time bunny" (just a small soft bunny stuffed animal) she only gets it when she's in her crib. I also play soft classical music or soft lullabies when she's about to go to sleep. It's been acting as sort of a trigger. when the CD player turns on, fingers go in the mouth and her head is on my shoulder...

good luck!

nugget0411

Mrs.Purdue:

we use the sleep sheep for naps and bedtime - also a sleep sack.  when we put her in that and turn on the sheep, she knows it's time for sleep!

this...sometimes i can't zip his sleep sack up fast enough before he's rolling over to sleep! and if i go into his room and turn on the sound machine and turn off the lights he starts to moan a bit. we still do a bottle at night as well...i like to know his tummy is nice and full right before bed so he'll sleep! 

bluesapph

Lullaby CD...duh!  Why didn't I think of that?  I also use the sleep sack only at night.  Duh again.  Thanks for the advice.  Sometimes we're too close to see what's obvious I guess.  

smitt2619

We swaddled LO from the very beginning, then switched to a sleepsack when it was no longer safe to swaddle.  The swaddle and then the sleepsack became a crucial sleep que for him.  His eyes still get droopy when I zip up the sleepsack.  We use the Halo ones, and absolutely love them by the way.