Practical Solutions for Sleep Without Cryung

I had the same issue, not wanting to let my kids "cry it out." My mother made the point that it is not a bad thing to teach our babies that their bed is safe and that they can comfort themselves. Nothing "bad" will happen to them if they just give up the crying and enjoy their crib (sleep or play). I finally tried this with my second child (now 7) and I think she is stronger because of it. It is very hard to do but it only required me to be "strong" for a few days and then only about once every other month (she really likes to test). Because she was my second and I was always running to preschool, etc. she did not often get a regular nap in her bed, but in the evening we always spent time with her and then put her to bed. Good luck, be strong.

Sleep can be a challenge. I know of no moms in my network who did not eventually have to let little ones cry it out (though I have not talked to everyone in depth). Our cry it out was at 8 months (after not sleeping more than 3 hours at a stretch until then). Now, at 3.5 years, he sleeps 6:30-7 pm until 6:00 am and naps for 1.5 hours. We were/are sleep Nazis though. We protect his sleep; we see it as the NUMBER ONE thing that keeps him happy (and by design us as parents as well). The best book we read about child raising has been Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It lays out plans to getting your child to sleep and sleep well. It's great that you are looking ahead and planning. Good Luck.

Could you put the baby bed/bassinet in your room for a while? Six weeks is very young to be sleeping completely separate from Mom. While I did allow my older babies to cry themselves to sleep I just keep them in our room while they were infants. I've had two girls (now 9 and 5) and it seemed they woke up so much the first several months that trying to put them in another room was silly. They both spent most of their first year in our bed or in a bassinet next to it. I would nurse or snuggle them to sleep and if I wanted a little space just transfered them to the basket. When they woke in the night I was right there and didn't have to go to another room. I got a lot more sleep that way then trying to "stay awake" to get them to sleep throughout the night. Contrary to what many people said neither child became addicted to our bed or couldn't fall asleep in their own space. I did use their cribs for naps and as they got older (around six months) started putting them down there at the beginning of the night. That way my husband and I had adult time at the beginning of the night even if the baby woke up later. After a few months spending more and more time sleeping in their room they were quite comfortable. At a year or so the "crying out" was pretty minimal and involved them crying me going in and soothing without picking them up and leaving after a minute or two. Not particularly stressful for either one of us. A huge need for a small infant is the closeness of Mom, I do not agree that it will make them stronger people to be left alone at such a young age. On the other side we are not into the family bed and I totally understand you wanting some space at night. Just remember to do what you think is right, EVERYONE will have a opinion and think they know what's best. Follow your heart and if ignoring your infants crying for hours doesn't feel right don't do it!

I used the E.A.S.Y method by Tracy Hogg. She wrote the "Baby Whisperer" books. Eat, Activity, Sleep, Your time. Just keep that same routine, and he'll be fine. Eventually, you'll be able to do the pickup/put down that she recommends in the same book. I found the books on Amazon for cheap, so that way-- if I didn't like them, I wouldn't feel like a spent a fortune. They were money well spent, as I read various sections in the toddler book now.

hi,

please go to your nearest book store and pick up the Book called NO Cry to sleep Method . It works and I love it my daughter now 2yrs goes to sleep on her own and takes her regular naps with no problems

At 6 weeks, why don't you want him to sleep in his carseat or stroller? I let mine sleep whenever they wanted to for at least the first year..just roll with it..they will sleep when they need to..Mine were in a bassinet in my room for the first 6 months or so.. I breast fed and it was easy to have them a foot or two away..they need your touch and your nearness comforts them. And it lessened my worries..I could check on them in a moment if needed. I would hold and comfort that little bundle as much as I could..but with a toddler it is challenging..I don't seem to remember as much with the second one..:)

I'm personally for the crying it out, but I know it's not for everyone. I read that book... hated it. Just didn't work for me. All children are different and have different needs, Luckily at 6 wks their needs are fewer than when they are older. (as you know being a mom of 2, it's certainly challenging at times)

My sister gave me advice that helped me through both my little guys: First they want you, your smell, and warmth.
1. Sleep with you childs bedsheets for a few 1-2 days so it has "moms" smell. He will smell you even when you're not there. Always put him in the crib in the same direction and in the same way (routine and consistency is what they thrive on)
2. Get a heating bad and warm up the spot you're going to lay him in 5 or so minutes (on low is fine). The shift in temperature can really be upsetting as a baby
3. Swaddle if your child likes it. my first HATED it my second LOVED it (all kids are special and unique)
4. OPTIONAL: If he does stir (and you don't use a pacifier) Keep him in his crib but rub his back and "shush" him until he falls asleep

This worked wonders with my 1st and I only had to do the "shushing for 3-4 days. My 2nd was a little easier so I only had to do the first 3 steps.

Good luck: I hop my suggestions were helpful. If this is not what you're interested in then I wish you the best finding the right suggestion that works for you.

Well, this worked for me.... I have an 8 yr and 6 yr old.. Look at what your baby's nap schedule is, if he is sleeping after 4 pm then he will most likely not go to sleep. Another trick is in his bottle add just alittle baby cereal, I know it sounds early but he is probably waking up because he's still hungry at night. And last but not least, buy the baby bath soap for nighttime, and use it in the evening about an hour before you want him to go down followed with the cereal bottle and he should be out in 10 minutes. Good Luck.