Best websites for advice on sleep training.

kelleighxnicole

I know many have discussed sleep training methods on here before, but I'd like an unbiased place to read about methods so that I can do the whole trial and error thing and see what works for my now 7 month old who refuses to sleep unless next to me/on my boob.

I have a 2 year old as well so as much as I like lying with him I can't do that all the time, esp. when I need to tend to my toddler. I did it with her when it was just the one baby. I have made a few attempts at CIO but I was unsuccessful, and after 20 minutes of relentless blood curdling screaming I would cave every time.

Anyone have any websites that have had good sleep solutions? Not necessarily just for CIO methods, but other ones as well? I'm not sure what to do at this point but I know I have to try to establish a sleep schedule with him now if I want any chance at one.  

drpayne

I don't think you'll find many non-biased opinions on the subject.People either agree it may be necessary to let LO cry (to varying extents) or they don't.

I feel like I read every sleep book out there, from Sears (very attachment parenting based) to Weissbluth (true CIO, very rigid).  If you are looking to break sleep associations such as falling asleep on you or while nursing and you want a method that works relatively quickly, I'd recommend Ferber.  Yes, it involves some tears and the first couple of nights truly suck, but it usually works, assuming LO is ready.

We started Ferber 2 weeks ago.  The first 2 nights were awful (I think we got to the 17 minute intervals) but then things did improve.  Last night I put DS in his crib while awake and he didn't make a peep before he fell asleep.  The night before, he fussed for about 30 seconds.  I still can't believe it, after over 6 months of having to bounce or rock him to sleep. 

kelleighxnicole

Thank you both.

Generally he gets a bath every three days, but if it takes a tub to get him into a routine I'll certainly try it. He's not on a set schedule for eating, he wishes he could just nurse around the clock I'd imagine.

He won't take a bottle. I'm working on trying to get him to, but he won't. He insists on falling asleep on the breast.

 I'm going to check out those links and see what I can come up with and try to not have my heart break in the process.

thank you ladies. 

cougarlicious

https://tinyurl.com/3t9zusa

The sticky Featured Post is a great place to start.

ErinInVA

I'm just here to offer support. Both my 2.5 year old daughter and 7 month old son are and always have been terrible sleepers. They just don't relax enough to sleep. They both bed shared with us and nursed exclusively, generally all night long. With my first, it was out of need. I was working full time 12.5 hour shifts and had to sleep, so DD slept with me. Now, I just need sleep to keep up with my 5 daycare kids and my 7 month old, so he sleeps with us too. Just in the last 2 weeks or so we've started sleep training. We are not following any particular method, though I've read all the books. We are more Feber-ing than anything I suppose. The first two nights he cried for 45+ minutes. We went in at regular intervals, never too long because his crying breaks my heart. The third night it was like 20 minutes. And it's been 15-20 minutes now most nights. Unfortunately, he caught a cold, so the last two nights have been rough. Now where I'm failing is that when he wakes for the first time, anywhere from 3-5 hours after putting him down for the night, I bring him back to bed with me. I'm too tired to stay awake to fight with him to get him back to sleep. I realize this is the next step and we seriously need to start working on that for everyones sake. Just want you to know that lack of sleep is terrible and I feel for you. The thing that definitely helps me is to remember that your baby sleeping is good for everyone! Learning to sleep is an important skill. Good luck.