I think it is more harmful to let a baby cry for an hour than to let him sleep at his own pace. I don’t think you NEED to decrease night feedings and let him cry with dad unless you are completely sleep deprived, resenting motherhood and NEED to make a change. Many, many seven month-olds are waking up a few times a night and nursing back to sleep. This is not harmful as long as mom has the energy and support to keep this up. Right now, baby thinks he is supposed to nurse back to sleep every time he wakes up, and unless he is taught otherwise, this will go on for the next year or so. Again, nothing wrong with this if you are up to it. Most of my moms get very good at quietly nursing back to sleep with minimal sleep disturbance for everyone involved. Don’t worry, all my patients eventually wean and develop healthy sleep habits (some earlier, some later). Occasionally I do have a mom who is sleep deprived, crying, and resentful because her toddler won’t sleep very well. This is when I often recommend night weaning, and letting dad take over – a weekend may be all it takes. Be sure to read our latest book, The Baby Sleep Book, for many more sleep suggestions.