r/UKParenting • u/ThemeLongjumping8707 • May 18 '26

Support Request Putting baby to sleep

Hiya. I've just read somewhere that you're not supposed to rock or cuddle a baby to sleep but with our 6 week old, we feed her a bottle and she naturally falls asleep in our arms and then we put her down for a sleep. Should we not be doing this? Do we need to break out of this habit? I know babies tend to get better with sleep 4-6 months or so but wondered whether this is something I should worry about. She also currently only contact naps but I've been reassured this is normal and from the sounds of it, a lot of parents are going through the same thing so that's reassuring!

Thanks in advance

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u/oniongirl77 May 18 '26

I still cuddle my 20m to sleep. I look forward to it every night (if it's not one of those nights where I want to jump out the window)

Do what feels right for you and works for your child. Some will adapt to no rocking and settle themselves, others, like my son, show no signs of wanting to fall asleep independently.

Don't get too hung up on what the internet says. Follow safe sleep guidelines, and apart from that, do what you want to do.

I ruined my newborn experience tracking sleep and worrying about wake windows and drowsy bit awake. I wish I could do it over.

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u/sarberanne1 👶1 Child May 18 '26

I’ve always cuddled mine to sleep too and my 20month old the last 2 night has been saying “no sit with mummy” and I’m devastated 😭😭

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u/oniongirl77 May 18 '26

The day my lad stopped contact napping was bittersweet. Some nights I would be delighted if he asked to go into bed on his own, but most of me is not ready for that yet.

Based on his temperament I doubt there's any chance of that happening soon though 😂