Dr Tanya - Our Resident Pediatrician

Also, how can I make him fall asleep at night without breastfeeding?

Thanks, Loni

Often a baby who was previously sleeping through the night will start to wake up again either due to a natural change in sleep cycle, or due to teething or even an illness. If he's not teething and has been checked for an ear infection or other illness then you can start sleep training him again ASAP.

If you don't already have a consistent bedtime routine, start one. If you already have a routine, change the order so nursing is not the last step. Try nursing him and then putting on his pajamas. Put him in his crib awake, give him a "lovey," read him a bedtime story or sing a song. Then, give him a good night kiss and leave the room.

It might take a few nights in a row, but he will learn how to soothe himself. When he wakes up in the middle of the night he can then use the same self soothing skills to put himself back to sleep. He may cuddle with his small blanky or stuffed animal, rock his head or suck on his fingers -- all are good self soothing techniques that will replace his need to use your breast as a means to fall asleep.

He may cry a bit, but that's okay. It is important to develop good sleep skills at this age. So pick a night and go for it.

Don't forget to be consistent every night. In a few nights you should all be sleeping through the night!