Wow this thread is renewing my energy and hope levels I think it is me that is a bit inconsistent with approach because 50% of the time I adore helping DS off to sleep and 50% of the time I find it impractical - and in thinking about a #2, I don't know how I'd do both! It's been a good gift while we've had it though, but as he gets older, I'd like him to do it on his own.
So this is hopeful! Thanks.

I don't feed him to sleep, but he is obsessed with having one arm around my neck, playing with my hair. Tonight I gave it a go (withdrawing myself) and even though his eyes were shut and he was pretty much asleep he started waving his hands, searching all over the place to find me. I was so annoyed that it WOKE him up. Is this what to expect? A realllyyy long drawn out going to sleep process until it changes?
*sigh*

I need to prepare myself to be more patient at that rate.