No More Co-sleeping for BF 9 Month Old

We moved our BF son to his own crib when he was a bit younger, and we definitely did NOT regret the decision. We started by putting him in the crib for naps, so that he could get used to sleeping in that environment. After about a week of that we put him in there for the night.

We used a modified version of the Ferber method for sleep training and were very happy with it. (We never let him cry as long as 10-15 minutes unless we had the sense that going back in would make things worse rather than better - and you can usually tell about it). I think it took less than a week and everyone was happy. My son continued to wake up for 1 late-night/early morning (~3 AM) feeding and I would keep him wrapped up in his blanket while I nursed him. I probably could have eliminated this if I really cared, but I didn't have the heart to do it (esp. because he refused to take a bottle during the day). As he approached 12 months this drifted towards 5 AM and once he turned a year I decided he didnt' need that one. Once we limited the amount he was drinking before bedtime (he liked to drink his bath water) he started sleeping through until around 6:30 (7:00 bed time), and he's been doing that ever since.

We also made the transition a bit earlier around 6 months. It was hard at first, for my daughter--not me! I was relieved to have my bedroom back for my husband and I.

I would also agree that reading Ferber's book really helped. Getting the baby used to sleeping in the crib at nap times is the first step. Make the crib a nice place, use music or white noise and I also placed one of my t-shirts in the crib with her. That may help too.

Good luck! You'll be happy with the decision in the end.

My 28 month old BF until he was 25 months and we also cosleep. He had no problem learning to fall asleep without being BF and he is VERY independent. Despite what people tell you, babies do not need to sleep in cribs alone to learn independence. Unfortunately, most people do not have experience with anything else and so they think that is what you must do. That being said, if you want to transition your baby to a crib a better age would be after 1 year. Your continued responsiveness to his nighttime needs will go a long way in developing your babies sense of trust and importance. Plus I can imagine that it's wonderful to have him close to you at night since you are not with him during the day.
You would be wise not to listen to people who have absolutely no experience with cosleeping since that is what has been working for you and your baby. Of course when you ask someone who put their baby in a crib whether you should do the same they are going to say yes that's what you should do! I've done both ways, the crib for my 1st and cosleeping for my 2nd. Hands down, my 2nd son is better adjusted and I've been able to stay in touch with his needs, moods, illness, growth spurts, teething, fears, you name it. He's extremely cuddly, confident, and was an early walker and talker.
Good luck and thanks for letting me share some of my experiences. Know that you are not alone if you decide not to leave your baby in a crib alone all night to sleep.

Stop putting everyone else's opinions above your own heart. If something feels wrong which you indicate as for how hard this will be and how you will miss it--- then DON'T DO IT. Parent from your heart not some "intellectual" decision and you will find much more peace.

We co-sleep with my 3 1/2 y.o. (who is now transitioning on her own to her own bed in our room) and with my 1 year old who still wakes up at night to nurse and seek comfort. I "night-weaned" my older daughter when she was 18 months-- at that point I was able to communicate with her that nursies go night night and she understood.

We are in such a rush to push our children to "independence" that we forget that they are still BABIES. I promise that they will not be sleeping in your bed or even nursing when they get older- they will move on when they are ready. I promise that they will not come to the conclusion "MOM- now that I'm off to college-- I realize no one taught me how to sleep!". Love and comfort your babies when they need you to show them the world is a safe and wonderful place and that mommy and daddy will take care of their needs and you will raise children who are not afraid to be independent, who are self assured and self confident, who will respect you and others, and who will find comfort in people instead of things.

Best of luck. Enjoy your baby boy. Good for you on breastfeeding!!