Anyone successfully stop rocking them to sleep?

GSwans

I know that I've created this, and I'm mad at myself for it...and now I need to get them past it.

I still rock them to sleep for naps and nighttime.  It doesn't take long (sometimes 30 seconds, sometimes up to 4 or 5 minutes, but that's rare).  But I've experimented with not doing it, and even if they're drowsy, they pop right up and start wailing.  I have to rock them until they're asleep (not deeply, just asleep).  

How do I now transition them away from this now at this older age? Is there a way to do it other than cold turkey/CIO?

Thanks!

TheNewFry

I have no advice since I am right In the same boat. I look forward to the responses.

GL!

OrangeSmoke

Make room in that boat for one more.

I console myself by saying it only takes a few minutes.  But there are nights I have to do it for 15 min.  It's also a little selfish on my part since I work all day and I feel like I shouldn't be phasing out cuddle time

marker56

I noticed it was getting a little ridiculous 2 weeks ago.  I've re-started "drowsy but awake" crib time.  I'm still rocking them until they seem tired, then taking them upstairs.  I turn on their soothers.  Reagan has always been easy with this, so she transitioned with no problem.  Alexis needed a few days of CIO, but tonight she went down without a problem.  We still had 5 minutes of mommy and me time which I thought was reasonable, but not excessive.  I'm still making it a point to take her up when she's still awake and aware of what I'm doing.

MADforever2009

It's a party!!! I'm bouncing Cooper on my exercise ball as I type. Uggghhhh

amanda31H

I used to rock to sleep for naps/bedtime until a little after 3 months- closer to 4.

Honestly- I think you just have to put them down drowsy but awake and keep at it.  Consistently.  If they start to cry (do they take a paci?), insert the paci, rub back/belly, shhhh, etc.  Now that they're older you could talk to them/sing, etc.  But I think you just have to do it, over, and over, and over.....

ougrad1

I never rocked any of mine.  I would try putting some safe toys in the crib to distract them like a seahorse, FP water/music thing that attaches to the side of the crib and maybe a Sophie or other teethers to distract them prior to falling asleep.

Other than that, CIO is probably the only thing that will help.   GL!

GSwans

amanda31H:

I used to rock to sleep for naps/bedtime until a little after 3 months- closer to 4.

Honestly- I think you just have to put them down drowsy but awake and keep at it.  Consistently.  If they start to cry (do they take a paci?), insert the paci, rub back/belly, shhhh, etc.  Now that they're older you could talk to them/sing, etc.  But I think you just have to do it, over, and over, and over.....

Sounds like a plan...!

kafunder

ougrad1:

I never rocked any of mine.  I would try putting some safe toys in the crib to distract them like a seahorse, FP water/music thing that attaches to the side of the crib and maybe a Sophie or other teethers to distract them prior to falling asleep.

Other than that, CIO is probably the only thing that will help.   GL!

Same here. I recommend something in the crib for a distraction that they can play with until they are tired. DS  likes the seahorse, while DD needs something tied to the crib like the crib soother (otherwise she spends all night picking up and putting down the seahorse and can't sleep).

Hibiscus2007

This was me at 10 months too, i finally did CIO, I started with naps since they were still getting 2 a day, and by bedtime, they barely cried maybe 2 mins. I did figure out I had to separate one into Pack n play in spare room for naps. They actually STTN, the first night, which was the first time for us. GL