Question, Toddler-Sleep related.

laurynfaerie

So, J-Smudge has been sleeping in his crib since he was like 3 weeks old. And we've had the usual sleep things, getting up for feedings and what-not, but somewhere along the way, after he stopped waking to eat, he started getting put in bed with us when he woke up in the middle of the night. Everything I've seen online suggests that this is just the usual 18-month sleep regression, but this has been going on for at least 6 months now. DH thinks it's mean to let him CIO, so I'm trying to figure out a way to get him to stay in his own room all night. 

FWIW we have a bedtime routine, and he goes down perfectly fine at first, but wakes up a few hours later and won't go back down until he's in bed with us.

Help? 

 

StrikeGirl

Helluuu! Popping over from 2nd Tri and July 2011 Moms...

I agree with PP, the CIO is tough however it won't damage them. Sometimes their crying can sound like we're beating them and as a fellow parent, I get it. It's tough...BUT with that said, he's 18 months old now and understands that if he crys a little, he gets what he wants. You've got to weather the storm and try for a week or so to CIO. Start with a certain increment of time and progressively wait longer and longer. Reassure your DH it's not mean. Remind him you are actually doing your son a favor by teaching him to soothe himself. Does he sleep the rest of the night with you guys then? If he's waking even with you, might want to get it checked out. But, if he's staying asleep with you guys, he just knows he can manipulate the situation.

It's tough...super tough to hear them cry especially if you're not used to it. LIke I said, start with a certain increment of time then progressively wait longer. Eventually, he will learn that you aren't going to come get him. Make sure he has a blanket or stuffed animal or something with him that maybe he can help self-soothe. Are you using a white noise machine? My son sleeps with one every night. I'm not sure if it matters but we're not going to try making him sleep without it. We like the white noise too!

Good luck! It'll get better...stay firm, stay consistent. Remind him you love him, he's safe and you'll see him when he wakes up.