My sister-in-law Traci inspired me with her past post about letting her daughter "cry it out". I thought, "I can do that when the time comes!" Well, the time has come. Grant had been waking up twice a night which, in my opinion for someone of his size and age, is not necessary.
The pediatrician dually inspired me at Aaron's two-year checkup this week. He said to just let Grant "cry it out." He said, really, he can go eight or even ten hours without eating. He said I could go in and say something to assure Grant that he's safe, but not to pick him up and feed him. Soooo, two nights ago I endured his 1 hour and 40 minute crying episode. I went in a few times to get him "unstuck" from what looked to be very uncomfortable positions (a couple times he had his pudgy little arm stuck between the crib rails.) Eventually he did fall asleep and woke up again at about 5:30 a.m., at which time I fed him.
Last night was more encouraging. He woke up at his usual 2 a.m. time, but this time he only cried for a half-hour or so, and then he went back to bed until around 7 a.m.! I fed him and put him back to sleep, and he's still in la-la land! (It's a little past 9 a.m.)
I'm really hoping he will start sleeping longer stretches consistently. There is just no need for him to be waking up to eat in the middle of the night!
Aaron is also doing better in his toddler bed. Two nights ago (with Grant's long crying fit) was particularly bad because I had to repeatedly put Aaron back in his bed several times. Last night was better. Aaron woke up crying once but fell back asleep within minutes and didn't wake up until past 8 a.m.
So the future is looking bright ... and sleepful!
5 years ago
5 comments:
Letting a baby cry it out is tough in the beginning, but it will pay huge dividends! Sounds like Grant's already making some progress.
I'm glad to hear Aaron's making some progress as well. We're still dealing with some wakings from Noah ... he better be through this stage by April!
Jenny...Elizabeth did the same exact thing to us! I really feel your pain. I'm so glad we are in the same boat! It makes it easier to laugh about things!
PS I loved the title of your blog!
Oh I hear ya. I did the crying it out and SWEAR by it over their life. My kids don't need me now as they have gotten older in the night. I read this book it deals with infants to adolescences!
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP
George J. Cohen, MD, editor-in-chief
New York: Villard Books, 1999
209 pages, paperback, $12.95
Best of luck I LOVE sleep! Your friend, Stacy
When I said over their life I meant over their lifetime of sleep habits....Ha ha
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