My DD is only 3 months old, but I'd like to prevent our bad habits from becoming ingrained. She really only feeds to sleep, doesn't sleep well (at all!) during day unless she's fed to sleep and on me and doesn't sleeping in her cot during the day. Nights are pretty good generally with two feeds b/n 8/8.30-7ish. I'd like to be able to get her to sleep without being so reliant on me so that DH can have a role. If she doesn't sleep during day and has multiple wake-up the day just stretches for me and an over-tired baby.

People keep saying do what works you. But this approach isn't feasible in the long term, particularly as she'll be in care when I'm back at work.

I know that whatever method we try will be emotional for me but the ultimate goal will benefit DD. she can sleep anywhere from a bowling alley to a restaurant and the house, but only does it by being fed to sleep and not in her cot during the day.

I know the issue might be a control one on my part (teacher) and yes, it came as a shock to me that I had to teach DD how to go to sleep. But it breaks my heart when I see my overtired DD crying out for a feed because that is the only way she knows how to go to sleep.

Thank you for all the info. It'll help make the decision more informed on our part. Can you remember how much the boarding fees were? And how easy was it to implement the new routine when you were home without the support of the staff?