Question about drowsy and awake...

Mrs.Greg

I am still nursing DD to sleep every night... sometimes even in my bed laying down.  DH and I want to try putting her down drowsy and awake.  Her pediatrician said she's old enough to CIO and to give it a try if we are comfortable.  We're not opposed to it but we think she's too little right now. 

 

My question is this:  right now she's in a little bed next to my and DH's bed.  We want to move her to her crib.  Should we make the move AND try awake and drowsy at the same time or should we just do one or the other first?  Also, we want to try turning on her mobile to help her sleep.  She won't take a pacifier AT ALL.  If you use LO's mobile, what do you do when it turns off and LO isn't asleep yet?  DD's only plays for like five minutes.  Do you go back in and wind it up again?

 

TIA!

HappyTXChick

Get one of those aquariums that you hang on the side of the crib.  They play for like 15-20 minutes.  And DD's even has a remote control where we can turn it back on.  But we've never had to do that.  SHe just watches it for a few minutes and it puts her to sleep.
I think for DD we will not have to do any sleep training (when she is old enough).  She puts herself to sleep very easily on her own already.

With DS when he was about 4.5 mos we did CIO and it worked GREAT!  We were still having to rock him to sleep and make sure he wac completely out before we laid him down.  It only took 2 nights and he has been a great sleeper ever since.

As far as the changes I would go ahead and move her to her crib and still nurse her to sleep for just a few nights.  If that goes well then try the drowsy but awake thing.  Do one change at a time. 

kes3237

I had a similar issue - my DD slept in her carseat until about two weeks ago.  I also rocked her to sleep every night and for every nap (4-5 per day!).  I didn't know whether I should tackle the crib and drowsy but awake at the same time or separately... well, I did both at the same time and I have never looked back!  She adjusted to her crib very easily and while she still fusses/cries when going down, it is so much better than rocking her for 45 min.  My DD is a little too young for total CIO, but I will let her fuss for a few minutes, go in and soothe, let her fuss again, etc.  The paci works wonders for my DD, but if yours won't take it, I guess just try other soothing techniques like stroking the head, shushing, etc.

 If your pedi thinks she can do CIO I would give it a try.  Start out slowly - allow yourself to go in as often as you think, but just don't pick them up!  Then, try to wait a little longer to go in.  I would say just don't make yourself crazy letting them cry and not going in.  Hearing them cry will honestly get easier - but don't stress yourself out.

Also, yes, try the mobiles.  It works well for my DD if she goes down at the right time (not overtired).

 GL!