How to put my LO to bed?

Sjakie

When he was 4 months we would put him in his crib and he would fall asleep.

He got croup and the only way he would fall asleep would be if I lay him in my bed and I would lay next to him. Once asleep I can transfer him to his bed.

A few days ago the babysitter was watching him and by the time we came home (10.30pm) he was still wide awake because he will not fall asleep any other way. So I laid let to him and he was out in 30 seconds.

 We have decided he needs to learn to fall asleep in his crib so we did CIO. Big FAIL!!!!! After 3,5 hrs of crying I picked him up (he was showing no signs of calming down) and he fell asleep within 10 seconds.

My DH and I have decided that CIO wont work as we both don't feel comfortable about it. Once he is asleep he STTN so it's just the falling asleep which we are having trouble with.

 

Any advice? 

mben1119

How long did you let LO CIO for?  If 3,5 equals 3.5 hours then no wonder it didn't work. Your child freaked because they were all alone and calling for you. If you're going to do CIO, do it right.

Ms5586

Did you follow a sleep training process - such as Sleep Easy Method, Sleep Lady Shuffle, Ferber, No Cry Sleep Solution, etc?  If you just put LO in the crib and let him cry, that's not effective at all.  Sleep training is about teaching them to fall asleep on their own.  I would research the different processes, and find one that works for your family and your LO.

Sjakie

We went in the room in intervals, 3min-5min-10min and then every 15 min.

We pat his back, sushed him, turned on the mobile, repeat at every interval.

This went on for 3,5 hrs. 

mben1119

Sjakie:

We went in the room in intervals, 3min-5min-10min and then every 15 min.

We pat his back, sushed him, turned on the mobile, repeat at every interval.

This went on for 3,5 hrs. 

I just don't understand waiting that long. What if he was hungry? 

Sjakie

mabenner1:

Sjakie:

We went in the room in intervals, 3min-5min-10min and then every 15 min.

We pat his back, sushed him, turned on the mobile, repeat at every interval.

This went on for 3,5 hrs. 

I just don't understand waiting that long. What if he was hungry? 

Do you mean waiting that long 15 min intervals or that it took 3,5 hrs?

He shouldnt be hungry he has 28 oz FF and 3 solid meals which is normal for him.

Jenny952

I had a similar issue with my DD in that she'd fall asleep in my arms or while nursing but never on her own.  I laid her in her crib drowsy but still awake and stayed in there with her until she fell asleep.  The first couple nights I caved and picked her up, only to have her cry again when I put her down.  So finally one night a few weeks ago I didn't pick her back up.  I patted her back, ssh-ed her, rubbed her head, said night-night time over and over and over until she fell asleep.  The first night took almost an hour, and it was really hard for me.  I just couldn't let her CIO on her own, so I stayed with her.  Now I can put her down and I still stay in her room until she's asleep, but it takes much less time.  Last night she was out in less than 5 minutes.  Some nights still take 15-20 minutes or more but there isn't the crying that happened for the first night. 

I think the biggest key is having a routine and sticking to it.  Also putting baby down at the right time, when he's drowsy but not at the point of being overtired. 

mben1119

Sjakie:

mabenner1:

Sjakie:

We went in the room in intervals, 3min-5min-10min and then every 15 min.

We pat his back, sushed him, turned on the mobile, repeat at every interval.

This went on for 3,5 hrs. 

I just don't understand waiting that long. What if he was hungry? 

Do you mean waiting that long 15 min intervals or that it took 3,5 hrs?

He shouldnt be hungry he has 28 oz FF and 3 solid meals which is normal for him.

The 3.5 hours. And, sometimes, babies need to eat more, or need more attention. Wonder Weeks, teething, illness, and growth spurts can all alter sleep patterns.

chulita425

DS would only fall asleep in my arms then we'd transfer him to his own bed and most of the time he'd wake so he'd get a bottle and a back rub. He obviously got used to that and he eventually started staying up later and later so we changed the process. I started taking him upstairs at 9pm (the time he starts getting sleepy) and those first few weeks I'd sit with him. I started off with staying for an hour then gradually went to 45 mins, 30 mins, 15 and now I can just bring him in and leave. He used to cry when I'd leave but it would last about 5 mins and then he'd stop, I guess he's fine as long as he can't see me. I also stopped letting him nap anywhere, so he goes to his room for nap time, sometimes he will cry but like I said it's usually only 5 mins and then he falls asleep. 

ETA: We've been doing this successfully for about 3 months.