How do I change my LOs bedtime routine to avoid feeding to sleep?

[dairymoo]

My 11mo old DTs currently have a good nap routine - little story, song and then bed - and an ok bedtime routine which is nothing more than just naked time, bath, BF, bed. Some nights they go down awake (and have no difficulties in getting themselves to sleep) but most of the time they are soooooo zonked by the end of the BF that they are fast asleep or at least majorly drowsy.

There are a few occasions in the next few months when my PIL will need to put them to bed, and so the BF will need to be replaced by a cup of milk. I was thinking that if I could fit a bedtime story in before they go to sleep then they might change their sleep association a bit and not mind missing the BF. (I may be dreaming though...!!) Question is, how on earth do I get them to stay awake for said story after a gorgeously delicious and snuggly BF?!?!

[zebedee1]

You may be surprised, dairymoo. My sister had to put DS to bed for the first time last month (13 months) and he has been BF to sleep every night since birth. He won't drink cow or formula milk either. I was expecting hysterics and crying. The little bugger sat on her lap while she rocked him and he fell asleep in 5 minutes without any milk!

[dairymoo]

Typical eh?! I bet he'd never do that with you there...

Well, I will hope for a similar scenario. How were you? Was it uncomfortable missing a feed?

[zebedee1]

No Dairy Moo, if I am there he has to BF to sleep, if anyone else puts him to bed he crashes out immediately!

I was not too uncomfortable as I am down to a morning and evening feed only most days. Woke up a bit sore so BF DS straight away!

[dairymoo]

Maybe I'll just try with my DH then and see what happens. Probably a good idea if I'm not actually in the house though - in case they can smell the milky aroma .