Parents Start Here

My cousin had an adorable baby boy in November. She emailed me today, saying she’s reading all these books on sleep methods and is so overwhelmed and more confused. I absolutely remember that period all too well.

The first thing we did was we didn’t co-sleep. Baby Boy Sprout slept in a bassinet, which was kept right by my bed. Once he outgrew his bassinet at around 4 months, we transitioned him to his crib, in his bedroom. I, then, slept in his room until he was about 8 months. I didn’t want to have another crutch that I would have to untrain him.

Now, I started sleep training late. He was about 4 months when I started. My world was focused on his reflux and I didn’t even think of sleep training.

The first book I read was “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” by Marc Weissbluth. Basically, it’s the cry it out method (CIO). Many of my friends read it and were having huge sleep successes. I was told that it will be very hard but to stick with it and not to give in to the crying. Basically, you let your baby cry him/herself to sleep. The method did not work for us. Hearing Baby Boy Sprout cry and plead for me. I couldn’t take it. I sat outside his room and sobbed! Eventually, Baby Boy Sprout threw up and that was all I could take. I ran into his room, scooped him up and decided the CIO method was not for us.

Then I read two books that worked great for us. The first was “The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night” by Elizabeth Pantley. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. It takes longer to train the baby but it’s so gentle. We both were happy and he enjoyed going into his crib.

I also LOVED, LOVED Kim West’s book “Good Night, Sleep Tight”‘. She also has a good website and newsletter, which I signed up for immediately: http://www.sleeplady.com

She describes something called the bedtime shuffle. Basically, you put baby in crib; stand over crib; when baby cries, you put your hand on his back as a way to sooth (don’t pick up); this goes on for weeks. As the weeks progress, you can use a soothing sound instead of your hand. Then, after a few weeks of being over the crib, you move a few feet away from the crib but are still in the room. And now, you’re not looking at baby (I took a chair and turned my back to Baby Boy Sprout. He knew I was in his room and that was all he needed). A few days/weeks later, you move the chair further away (in the doorway then outside the room). Eventually, he’s sleeping on his own. No crying. It’s definitely longer but so much better for us.

These methods worked best for our family. The most important thing is to do your research. Find out what works best for you and don’t deter. People will criticize. But, you stand firm. Stick with what works best for you and your family.

What method(s) did you use for sleep training? What books do you recommend? What didn’t work for you? Do you have any other tips?

Best wishes for a restful night. Take care - Mama Sprout

Related posts:

1. The Personal Decision to Breastfeed While pregnant, I read many books about breastfeeding. I understood the health benefits and wanted to experience the bonding between...
2. Getting out of the house ontime Prior to Baby Boy Sprout, I was always rushing out the door. And now, I was adding Baby Boy Sprout...
3. Infant Acid Reflux/GERD Baby Boy Sprout went on medication for reflux at 4 months. It’s been a long and difficult road. Between ages...
4. Behavior Charts Last month, I realized that Baby Boy Sprout isn’t responsible or accountable for much. I do just about everything...
5. Travel FAQs With travel season upon us, here’s a list of FAQs. (1) Should I buy a ticket for my infant/toddler? Definitely...