My 8mth old wakes around 5 times a night, I am still breastfeeding him and he falls asleep whilst feeding in his room at night, he has a bedtime routine but needs me to get him back to sleep through the night. I understand I need to get him going down by himself but i'm worried this a big change for him. I have tried to get him have a teddy or blanket as a comforter but he isn't interested?

A It is very common for breastfeeding babies to fall asleep at the breast but I do wonder why he is waking 5 times a night at 8 months. You would expect your son to be sleeping for longer periods at night now.

You could try to avoid feeding him at 2 of the night feeds, comfort him in the cot but try to avoid lifting him out of the cot as he will then expect breastmilk.You may find it is easier if your partner tended to your son through the night.

You don’t say whether your son is in his own bedroom, this is certainly something to consider if your son is still in your room. You could then try to leave him for longer periods to see if he self soothes.

You could try one of your T shirts that has your smell on it to use as a comforter.

You could try to offer your son more food through the day with the intention of filling his tummy more: 3 – 4 ice cubes of solids at dinner and tea with weetabix or porridge for breakfast with toast or fruit to finger feed.

You may find this link helpful: www.healthvisitors.com/baby_sleep.htm

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health visitor

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