Need Help in Breaking Old Sleeping Habits

Hi J.,

My son was the same way when he was that age. It's hard, I know. But all I did was when he was sleepy, I put him in his own bed & if he cried, I'd let him cry it out. I know that sounds mean, but it really works. He only cried off and on for no longer than 15 minutes. Don't break. It's hard to hear them cry especially when they cry for mama. If you go in, he's catch on quickly that all he has to do is cry & you'll come running. I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.

Natalee

Actually, kids act compeltely different in day care/school so don't worry about how he'll be when you're not there. Let the day care person deal with the naps! Once she gets something to work, then do the same at home.

I thought going from 2 to 1 to no naps would be hard for my kid over the years, but she does fine during the week so I duplicate what they do on the weekends. Same for potty-training. They had the system, I just implemented it!

Good Luck,
J.

J., I agree with the other two. My son used to sleep in our bed. Convenient for nursing but not good for mommie and daddy time. I decided I had to gain my sanity so I put him in his bed when he was getting sleepy. Once I put him down, he cried and cried and cried...for 30-45 min. But I just forced myself to let him go. He went to sleep all by himself. He did wake up once during the night but I didn't go in to get him. I peeked in to make sure he was ok...never said a word, didn't touch him. He was fine so I went back to bed and he was sleep in 5 min.

I know it may sound cruel, but would you rather feel resentment everytime you go in to comfort your child or feel bad for a few nights then get peace from here on out. Believe me, children know how to comfort themselves. And if they know you will always come in to get them, they will never stop crying. Hope all works out.

I have a 6 month old and we had problems getting her to sleep in her crib after sleeping with me for 2 months after she was born. We couldn't do the "wait it out" thing either after 2 nights of her crying for an hour, we gave up. What worked for us was to put her in a bassenet in our room. I put the bassenet next to our bed and could reach over if she cried. It took a little time, but this eventually worked in getting her to sleep by herself. We then just transferred her to her crib. I still have trouble sometimes getting her to stay asleep during the day, but at least at night I am getting more sleep. Hope that helps you, good luck!

J.-
My son was used to me holding him until he feel asleep, but that had to stop when he was 9 months old and getting up 5 times a night. I know it is hard to let them cry it out, but that is what you have to do. It only took our son a few nights and now at 2 1/2 years old, we are able to put him in his toddler bed and have no problems. I know it is a very stressful time for everyone, but it will be worth it in the long run. Start a routine in his room and lay him down when he is groggy, but not asleep. If he starts to cry, tell him that he is OK and that you are there for him. Leave the room and don't go back in for at least 10-15 minutes. Then check on him again and let him know he is OK. He will get the hang of it quickly and then he will know that he can put himself to sleep.
Hope this helps!