I breastfed both of my boys for quite some time, and while I didn’t cherish every single moment (trust me, that’s a total myth), one of the best parts of breastfeeding was those magical moments when they would nurse to sleep.
Life with two little guys was loud, chaotic, and often exhausting, but those evenings spent snuggled up while nursing felt like pure magic. I would watch their little eyes gently close, their tiny hands relaxing as they drifted off, and it felt like we had created our own cozy sleep bubble together, just me and my boys, wrapped in love.
I remember hearing early on that “nursing to sleep” was a big no-no according to sleep experts. “If you consistently nurse your baby to sleep,” stated Dr. Julia Carter, a sleep specialist at a renowned children’s hospital, “he’ll rely on that same cue to fall back asleep during the night. While nursing can make nighttime parenting easier, it can lead to more awakenings.”
Sure, I get it—lots of kids who don’t nurse to sleep still wake up frequently. And yes, the “nurse to sleep” habit might have been a bit of a “crutch” for my kids at times. But honestly? I didn’t care. Maybe it was my rebellious side, or maybe sheer exhaustion, but I happily nursed both my children to sleep. I co-slept, nursed during the night, and somehow managed to survive it all.
Was I tired? Absolutely. Did I sometimes feel frustrated during those “nursing back to sleep” sessions? Of course! Did I wish I had broken that so-called “habit” sooner? Nope, not at all.
Here’s why: For me—and many parents out there—the joy of nursing to sleep far outweighed any inconveniences it brought. Moms with young children are often running on empty, and while I did wonder if nursing was adding to my fatigue, it wasn’t the sole cause. Yes, some nights were tougher, especially when they were sick, teething, or learning something new. And there were certainly evenings when it felt like nursing them to sleep was taking ages and I just wanted a moment to myself.
But those moments of closeness, sweetness, and connection far outweighed any frustration. You don’t get those precious times back, whether it’s nursing to sleep, cuddling, rocking, or even letting your kids sleep in your bed. All the ways we nurture our little ones are worth it!
Now, if nursing to sleep doesn’t work for you, whether from the start or at any point, don’t feel obligated to stick with it. Parenting is challenging, and if something brings you or your child stress instead of comfort, it’s okay to change it up.
But for those of us who love nursing our babies to dreamland, let’s embrace it! We’re not doing anything wrong, and we certainly don’t deserve any judgment.
Let’s clear up some myths, too. Nursing to sleep doesn’t cause cavities; poor brushing habits or weak enamel usually take the blame. Keeping your child’s teeth clean before nursing means they’re just as likely to avoid cavities as any other kid.
As for transitioning away from nursing to sleep? It can happen at any time. I personally waited until the habit naturally faded. The desire to suck is a biological urge, and it will gradually diminish. Just like kids who suck their thumbs or use pacifiers eventually stop, so do those who nurse to sleep. Some might wean earlier than others, but there’s no rush.
If you’re looking for alternatives, it can take a bit of work but gently weaning your child from nursing to sleep is possible. A sip of water or having your partner help with bedtime might work wonders. As long as it’s done with love, you can’t go wrong.
Ultimately, for those of us who find joy in nursing our little ones to sleep, it’s not about what others think, or whether experts approve. We do it because it works for us. To our children, those moments are pure bliss—the sweetest embrace. Why would we want to take that away from them? Or from ourselves?
If nursing to sleep feels right for you, trust your instincts and embrace it for as long as you both want. You won’t regret it, and while it lasts, savor every second. In the end, you might miss it more than you realize.
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Summary
Nursing to sleep is a beautiful bonding experience for many parents and their little ones. While it may come with challenges, the moments of closeness and love far outweigh any inconvenience. Each family’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to trust your instincts about what works best for you and your child. Embrace those sweet nursing moments as they create lasting memories.
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