DS is almost 14months old. He is either fed or rocked to sleep (or to very drowsy) every night (if he is still alert after feeding, I have to bounce him on the fit ball till he is very drowsy). This is after a consistent bedtime routine of song, sleeping bag, books, feed. The whole exercise takes 45-60 mins every night. He then wakes usually twice a night (but that's another thread! )

During the day he is either fed to sleep or we go for a drive or a pram walk...

I am just wondering how many other mums still did this for their 12+ month olds and to what age they kept this up?

I'm going through a stage where I'm feeling a bit tired of it, but I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't want to leave him to cry and I can't see him self settling any time soon (in the cot he just bounces around and does laps until he gets upset and wants me and there is no way I can leave the room!)?

Do they just grow out of this? And if so, how do you know when they are ready?

What is the next 'stage' once they don't feed/rock to sleep (or when you just can't do it anymore - he is already getting quite heavy and I have a lot of long standing back problems!). I've heard of people getting into the cot with their bubs and lying down - there is no way I could get in and out of the cot without causing injury and/or a great disturbance!

Also, do many of your 'comforted sleepers' go to bed and self settle easily now (please, is there any hope )?