Babywise

I did read it but I did not like it very much. If it isn't working for you, you might try "The No Cry Sleep Solution." I had good luck with that one - it was good for me because I had already been rocking and feeding my baby to sleep for 8 months and she was SPOILED> It's a bit gentler method than letting them just cry it out. Good luck!!

Hello! I've never heard of that. I "ferberized" my son at 4 months and haven't had a problem sense (he's 2 1/2 now). It only took about 4-5 days. What is Babywise?

Hey J., I have 4 kids and I've used Babywise with great success. 16 months is the beginning of my most challenging stage with each. Making sure to spend time with his Dad in front of him helps affirm stability for him...that could help. But you're at the beginning of consistent discipline and him challenging it, so you'll need to be firm and follow-up on what you want from him. Sometimes I reverted to "sleep props" just to help in transitional phases to get them back in a pattern (music or fan usually). The Ezzo's live in the area, maybe there's a phone number or website where you can get advice straight from them. Hope this helps. If you want to tell me more specifics in an email, maybe I'd have more ideas. Good luck!

Hi J.-
I have to agree with Lyndsi's response. I am a social worker and a lot of research I came across in college and in working with clients suggests that allowing a baby/young child to cry for an extended period of time can have damaging effects and possibly lead to something called reactive attachment disorder (inability to bond with others, severe insecurity, etc). Of course this is in extreme situations usually involving neglectful parents (NOT YOU!!!!)- I certainly mean no disrespect to parents who have used Babywise and/or the cry it out method- but research suggests that not meeting a child's needs when they cry for help or comfort may send them the message that they are not important and they cannot count on a parent/caretaker to respond when they are in distress. However, I've heard that there are some good aspects of Babywise when dealing with things like putting baby on a schedule, etc. Just a thought- again, no disrespect intended! Good luck with the sleeping!

***I certainly did not imply that anyone using Babywise is a neglectful parent- quite the contrary. I doubt a neglectful parent would even be reading parenting books such as Babywise or be seeking advice from parenting message boards. I have friends who use Babywise and it seems to work fine for them. To each his own! We all have different parenting styles. I was just sharing objective information I came across in professional journals. As soon as I mentioned the word "neglect", it seems everyone thought I was being accusatory. That's not the case, and I truly apologize if it seemed that way.

J.,

Hey, I have been following their techniques with great success, I have to agree with the other mom who asked is there anything else going on that could be a contributing factor. I am not a fan of bed sharing at this point because it can cause the child to become dependent on that, and then you end up with a toddler who will only sleep with you, and that's not fun for anybody after a while if you know what I mean. Try to make sure you are still following a good schedule...also look at what time you are putting him down, I know at my house I've had to adjust that since it's staying light later. I hope this helps, and if you need anything else feel free to send me a message. Good luck, and keep up the good work!

A.

Hi.
Please let me know what exactly is the issue with your son. I am very familar with his techniques, but follow Dr. Weisbuth. I feel like I could be of assistance with some simple techniques.

What others are talking about is neglect. ignoring your child all day is neglect...letting your child sit in the same diaper all day is neglect. Letting your child cry for 20 minutes while all his needs (full tummy, clean diaper) are met is not neglect! It is helping it learn good sleep behavior. There is nothing sadder than watching a child who is frustrated because they can't figure out how to sleep without a prop...but you know this, otherwise you wouldn't have used this book thus far. I used the Along the Infant Way book, which is the same author, same information, just with a christian aspect to it...I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can...I used it with both my girls (1 and 3) who are the most loving, happy, sociable girls you could ask for...what exactly is he doing (or not?) Give a hollar, or you can email me ____@____.com I'm not an instructor, but I definitely have experience!

Yes I did and LOVED it. I'm sure you have a very happy baby. I remember my son would tend to have "issues" occasionally. Look at other things going on his life. Is he teething? Has anything else changed? They also tend to go through some separation anxiety around that age too. Hang in there...it'll get better.

I used BW with both of my kids with great success (both slept through the night by 9 weeks). My son did have a phase that he went through around 15-16 months where he had a really hard time. It could be some reaction to change, separation anxiety or just plain feeling like they are missing out on something. What we did was to extend his bedtime routine a bit. We atarted about 30-45 minutes before sleep time with settling down and watching a favorite TV show on the couch with Dad and some warm milk. Then we went to his room, read a book, said prayers, sang our special song, tucked him in and left. If he cried we would go back every 10-15 minutes to check on him - speak to him soothingly and put him back in bed. We basically tried to comfort him, but didn't pick him up and hold him or anything like that. It took about 4-5 days and he was fine. It was basically BW with a bit of Ferber.

Good luck and if you need to chat anymore you can send me a personal message.

Thanks!
J.

This book is very dated and the info in it is no longer supportted by most peds. The cry it out method can have damaging effects on your babe. Try letting him sleep with you for a little while...or if you are set on him sleeping in another room I would recommend the book "No Cry Sleep Solutions." I have never used it...my babe sleeps with us and has from day 1....but I have heard others mamas say that it worked great. Best of luck to you.

I have with both my children, and it has worked well. My son is 14 months old and sleeps through the night usually. I would have to agree with the other moms about changes in routine or something else. I have had a couple of occasions where there were other things going on teething, cold, schedule changes, etc.