A sleep association is something a baby links with falling asleep, such as feeding, rocking, a dummy or a parent's presence. Babies often need the same condition to fall back asleep when they wake between sleep cycles.
Key takeaways
- Sleep associations are normal and not a problem in themselves.
- It is worth changing one only if it no longer works for your family.
- Changes work best gradually and consistently.
What you can do
- Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake some of the time.
- Change one association at a time, over several days.
- Keep a consistent bedtime routine.
