Transition from Co-Sleeping on Vacation Back to Crib
Updated on
April 21, 2009
J.B.
asks from
New Orleans, LA
4
answers
I've read many of the other similar questions/answers regarding this topic - but I'm somehow hoping there will be another wave of advice. :-)
My son and I went on vacation overseas for just over 2 weeks. Prior to vacation, he had a pretty solid evening routine of bath, nurse, bed at 8 pm. He slept most nights, probably 95% or the time until about 6 am. Then came vacation. It was an incredible vacation, but in order to help him adjust to the time change, and the initial lack of a crib in the hotel, he slept in bed with me. I don't have anything against co-sleeping, and it just seemed easier while on vacation.
The problem is now that we're home, I'm having a difficult time getting him to return to previous routines. We still do dinner, bath, nurse, bed at 8 pm and that portion goes well. But, when he wakes up and notices that I'm not next to him he begins to wail. Not just cry, but WAIL. I tried letting him cry for a few minutes to see if he'd self soothe back to sleep but NO. I've gone in, nursed and put him back in bed, but he's now waking up every couple of hours. I can't tell if he's really hungry, if he misses me, if his teeth are bothing him - ACK! I normally cave about 5 am and end up bringing him back into our room out of sheer exhaustion. He does nurse a fair amount if I pick him up from his crib and nurse him back to sleep. But, then I have to wait another 15 minutes or so to be sure he's really asleep before attempting to put him back in the crib. Then, I crawl back into bed only to have it start all over again an hour later. I'm pooped, and my husband, who's about to start studying for law school finals is not a happy camper!
Do I continue to go in and nurse him back to sleep every few hours? I've tried letting him cry, but it breaks my heart and I figure if he's crying, noone is getting any sleep. Should I try letting him sleep in the pack-n-play in our room for a while and then transition back to his room? HELP!
My absolute favorite is The Baby Whisperer - Tracey Hogg. She wrote several books but the one that helped me the most is 'Secrets of The Baby Whisperer' and it carries you from newborn through toddler with all kinds of issues -- feeding, sleeping, tantrums, etc. I LOVE IT and recommend it to all my mom friends.
I strongly recommend getting a copy... It sounds like there might be a few things going on with him now. My heart tells me it just might take some time -- so be patient and consistent.
You can pick up the book at any local bookstore and I'm sure you can find it online at amazon too...
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D.C.
answers from
College Station
on
Dr Sears has some (well-worth-it) advice on transitioning a child to a bed. I can't find a link but you could probably find answers at your public library in a "about parenting" book by Dr Sears.
I would think you could do the same with your baby.
However, I'm one of those attachment-style parenting parents and really value the co-sleeping. Not only was I reassured to actually be able to touch my baby and feel him breathing (no SIDS!!!) but my baby often slept more hours without nursing with just a touch to know I was there for him.
You get to make the choice. Good luck!
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N.C.
answers from
Houston
on
Sorry I don't have any good advice on this. I was hoping to find something to help me as well as I am similarly in the same boat as you. I have a 9 month old son who is doing the same thing your little boy is doing except my son's crib is in our bedroom already and he has never slept with us since my 2 1/2 year old daughter already shares our bed. Nice arrangement, huh? When he wakes I usually take him from our bedroom and nurse him back to sleep in our guest bedroom so he doesn't wake the rest of the family. But I'm like you back and forth and no continuous sleep for me! The scary part is we are going to travel in less than a month and then most likely we will all be sleeping in the same bed. So what our return home will be like once we get back even makes me dread it even more. Hang in there! If I figure it out before you I will let you know. LOL.
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A.A.
answers from
Austin
on
If you sleep well with your son in the bed with you I say stick to that and get good sleep with a happy baby.
