Please Sleep/ Go to Bed for Daddy

Hi L.,

I would start by having your husband put her to bed with you and gradually, let him do more and more. I used the , "Mommy has to go potty, I'll be right back" and extended the time each time. At first, I'd leave and come right back, then I'd stay gone a few minutes. Now, Daddy brushes their teeth, I put on their PJ's, daddy reads them a story and then I go in and kiss them good night with him. The kids love it and we both participate.

My older son sleeps pretty well, the younger one (3 1/2) still wakes up almost every night. Some kids are good sleepers, some kids just don't require much sleep.

Good luck!

Until a couple of weeks ago, my 12 month old was waking up multiple times during the night too. I found out that if you put them to bed when they are very tired and let them cry for a little while (I'm not good at this and can't stand more than a couple of minutes of her crying), they will be able to put themsleves back to sleep should they wakeup during the night. My pediatrician told me this months ago, but I couldn't bear to hear her cry. Now, I just make sure she is really tired when I put her down, and it only takes a couple of minutes. THen, if she wakes up during the night and whimpers, I leave her in there alone. If it escalates into a real crying episode, I go and get her. Frequently, the whimper only lasts about 30 seconds. I wait it out. It seems to be working well and I don't ever just put her in her crib and let her cry a long time. She's been sleeping through the night now for a couple of weeks.

My opinion isn't professional by any means, but I feel like you're right - she should be sleeping thru already. My son started sleeping thru at 5.5 months - (10-12 hours). Only with the help of the 'No Cry Sleep Solution'. We didn't agree with the Ferber Method, so this was a nice alternative. It really teaches you about forming a consistant routine, and sleep signals, and how to handle night wakings, before bed issues, etc.

I recommend it a thousand times over! It saves lives, well - not literally - but it does save the night!

Good Luck!

Do it all together, you and your husband do it together. Try that for about a week then let him start on his own. When it is his time to start on his own, let him give her a small teddy or baby of some sort that is just from daddy. Consistency is so key in raising a child, they actually do better when you are like that, they know what to expect and whats expected. It sounds like you have done such a good job that she hates to break routine. Just keep trying and she will get used to the idea soon! Congrats on your new bundle to be!

Hello L.,
You can start by both of you putting her to bed at the same time and gradually let him do it. Children can be demanding but remember you are the parent, not her. As long as you give in they will control you. I totally understand about you daughter waking up at night. My 5 and 3 year old still to this day wake up atleast once. There is no way to get them to sleep through the night, they eventually will on their own. One thing that I tried is a body pillow. When she falls asleep put the body pillow next to her to act as if it is you that is sleeping next to her. Unfortunatly it didn't work with mine but hey it's a try!! Good luck!!

You need to buy the book "No Cry Sleep Solutions". This book will help you get your 14 old to sleep through the night and it will also help you get the new baby into a healthy sleep pattern without all the crying.