Is Feeding My Newborn to Sleep Creating a Bad Habit?

One of the most common concerns I hear from new mums is whether feeding their newborn to sleep is creating a "bad habit." It’s understandable, after all, there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. Some people will tell you to avoid feeding to sleep at all costs, while others say to embrace it. So, what’s the real story? Is feeding your baby to sleep a bad habit, or just part of the natural rhythm of newborn life?

The Natural Sleep-Feed Connection

First, let’s clear something up: feeding your newborn to sleep is completely natural. In fact, it's part of how babies are designed. When your little one is snug in your arms, feeding releases oxytocin (the love hormone) in both mum and baby. This helps your baby feel calm, secure, and ready for sleep. For a newborn, drifting off to sleep after a feed is as natural as it gets.

In the early months, newborns spend a lot of their time feeding and sleeping—two of their most important jobs. Their tiny stomachs fill quickly, but they also empty quickly, so it’s no wonder that many babies fall asleep while nursing or having a bottle.

What Do the Guidelines Say?

If you’re worried about whether feeding to sleep is something you should avoid, it helps to look at the recommendations from reliable sources. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), feeding to sleep is a natural and common practice, especially in the early weeks and months when your baby is still learning to self-soothe.

The ABA emphasises that there’s no rush to break this habit. In fact, they recommend responding to your baby’s needs as they arise. Newborns rely on you for comfort and security, and feeding to sleep can be a beautiful way to meet those needs.

Moreover, Australian health authorities, including the Department of Health, promote breastfeeding on demand, which means feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger—even if that’s right before sleep. Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also about comfort, bonding, and emotional security. This is especially important in the early months when newborns are adjusting to life outside the womb.

So, Is It Really a "Bad Habit"?

The term “bad habit” is loaded with negativity, but when it comes to newborns, we need to be kind to ourselves and our babies. Newborns have little understanding of habits in the way adults do. They’re not trying to manipulate us or set up long-term behaviours—they’re just trying to get their needs met. Feeding to sleep is one of the many ways they do this, and it’s perfectly normal.

In Hong Kong, where the “fourth trimester” approach is gaining more recognition, we’re beginning to see more acceptance of practices like feeding to sleep. The first three months of a baby’s life are a period of huge transition. Babies are comforted by closeness, warmth, and the familiar act of feeding, which reminds them of the womb. Expecting a newborn to self-settle or “learn” independent sleep too early can be unrealistic and stressful for both baby and parents.

The Role of Routine (When the Time is Right)

Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll be feeding your baby to sleep forever. As your baby grows, their sleep cycles will mature, and you’ll find that they naturally begin to develop their own sleep patterns. Around the 3-6 month mark, you may notice your baby is more alert after feeds, and this can be a good time to start introducing other sleep cues, like a calming bedtime routine.

Many sleep experts suggest that when you’re ready, you can start helping your baby learn to fall asleep without feeding by gradually adjusting your routine. But in those early months? There’s absolutely no need to feel guilty about feeding your baby to sleep.

Trust Your Instincts

As parents, we’re often bombarded with advice, much of it contradictory. Some people will tell you that feeding to sleep creates an unhealthy sleep association, but others will tell you that following your baby’s lead is the way to go. So, who’s right?

Honestly, no one knows your baby better than you do. If feeding to sleep works for you and your baby, and it’s helping both of you get some much-needed rest, then there’s no reason to stop. Trust your instincts and tune into your baby’s cues.

Let Go of the Guilt

Feeding your newborn to sleep is not a bad habit, it's a natural part of early parenting. Breastfeeding recommendations encourage responsive feeding, and feeding to sleep is just one way to meet your baby’s needs during this precious stage.

Remember, these early months are all about survival, comfort, and bonding. So, whether you choose to feed your baby to sleep for the first few weeks or the first few months, know that you’re doing what’s best for your baby. When the time comes to adjust your routine, you’ll know what’s right for your family. Until then, enjoy those peaceful moments of feeding your baby to sleep they don’t last forever!