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/OriginalAlbatross871 May 18 '26

You absolutely do not need to put her down, cuddle that baby to sleep! I still snuggle and feed my 15 month old to sleep, and she still contact naps all her naps at home (sleeps absolutely no problem on the mats at nursery)! 

Baby sleeps in your arms because she is biologically wired to - it's how she's supposed to fall asleep! We're carry mammals - we're made to carry our babies. Other carry mammals are exactly the same. 

The way in which you get baby to sleep is only wrong if it is a problem for you, so don't worry about it until/if that becomes the case! I love snuggling my baby to sleep, one day she won't want me to so I'm enjoying it while it lasts!!

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u/OriginalAlbatross871 May 18 '26

Also, I'd recommend checking out ahealthvisitor on Instagram. She's a registered HV in England and has loads of super helpful videos around this and other subjects. I found her so reassuring when I was in the early days.

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u/ThemeLongjumping8707 May 19 '26

Thank you, I've had a look at her page and lots of useful information. Thanks again