I don't know how I missed this thread...but can I join too.....
Beore I came on here I had just read this update from Baby centre and thought I would share it as it made me feel better about NF.
Baby sleep: Seven tips
Seven great tips from parents and experts for getting your baby to sleep.Beginning at about 6 weeks, you can reinforce your child's biological rhythms by establishing a regular bedtime routine. At about the same time every night, for instance, give him a warm bath, read him a book, and then feed him before putting him to bed. (For more ideas, see our article on bedtime routines.) Try to get your baby up at around the same time every morning and put him down for naps at the same point in the day.
At this stage, consider your routine and your baby's sleep schedule as a work in progress: During the first three months of life, your baby will gradually sleep more at night and less during the day. You'll need to keep adjusting the schedule as your baby matures and develops.
3 to 6 months and beyond
Typically, by age 3 months or so, babies have started to develop more of a regular sleep/wake pattern and have dropped most of their night feedings. And somewhere between 3 and 6 months, experts say, most babies are ready for sleep training and are capable of sleeping through the night. They're not talking about eight hours, though — they generally mean a stretch of five or six hours.
Of course, every baby is different: Some may be ready earlier, others later. And some will sleep seven hours or longer at an early age while others won't do so until they're much older.
Before starting sleep training, make sure your baby doesn't have any medical conditions that affect his sleep. Then be flexible about how you apply your chosen program and carefully observe how your baby reacts. If he's very resistant or you see a change for the worse in his overall mood and behavior, stop and wait a few weeks before trying again.
If you're not sure whether your baby's ready for sleep training, ask your doctor.
How do I know if my baby's ready?
If your baby's at least 4 to 6 months old, you can probably begin taking steps to wean him from feeding during the night. Of course, even if your baby doesn't need to eat in the middle of the night, he may still wake up wanting to. Babies who are used to eating several times a night tend to wake up out of habit, and it can take time to change this routine.
It's important to maintain your health and well-being, and you won't be able to if you're chronically sleep deprived. So whether to put an end to your baby's night feeding depends in part on how it's affecting you.
If you enjoy nursing or giving a bottle to your baby at night, there's no reason to stop — he'll eventually quit on his own. On the other hand, if you find yourself feeling grumpy and exhausted — and your baby's physically ready for the change — maybe it's time.
Practical tips for night-weaning your baby
•Approach the weaning process slowly and gradually. Start by giving your baby less time on each breast or a smaller amount of milk in his bottle at each feeding. Try to prolong the intervals between feedings by patting and comforting your baby and gently urging him to go back to sleep.
•Make sure your baby gets plenty to eat throughout the day. As your baby grows and becomes more active, he may not want to stop to nurse or take a bottle during the day, and he may try to make up for it at night. To make sure he gets enough to eat, take scheduled breaks during the day for a quiet bottle or nursing session in a place with no distractions.
•Offer your child extra feedings in the evening so he won't be hungry in the middle of the night. You may even want to wake him for a final feeding before you go to bed yourself.
•If your baby's bottlefed and at least 6 months old, you can gradually dilute the nighttime bottles with water. Start by substituting water for one quarter of the milk. Gradually use more water over subsequent nights until, eventually, the bottle contains only water. Your baby may be less inclined to wake up for a bottle of water.
•Don't try to night wean your baby during a time of transition — for example, if you're just about to return to work or take a family vacation. If you've recently become less available during the day, make sure to give your baby extra cuddle time when you're together, so he'll feel more connected and be less likely to seek comfort in the middle of the night.
•Have your partner comfort your baby when he cries during the night. If you're the one caring for him at night, the smell of you or your breast milk is likely to make your baby want to feed. If you're sleep sharing, try having your partner sleep between you and your baby.
•Gradually eliminate feedings, one at a time. Gently soothe and comfort your baby when he wakes to feed, and explain that it's sleepy time, not feeding time. Tell him he can nurse or have his bottle in the morning, and now's the time for sleep. Speak firmly and gently while patting his back or tummy. Even though he's too young to understand your words, he'll gradually understand the meaning, and your presence will soothe him. In many cases, babies cry only a little for a night or two before adapting to the new system.
•If you try to eliminate feedings and your baby cries inconsolably for several nights in a row, go back to your normal routine and try again in a week or two
If you're not sure whether your baby's ready, talk to your doctor.
