While we were at the beach B slept in a playpen in the same room as us and it didn't go over so well. By the end of the week she was waking up practically every two hours because we were right there. And although everyone insisted that they couldn't hear her if we let her cry, we opted not too ( especially since that meant we weren't sleeping either! ).
Needless to say when we got home from our vacation at the beach I had some serious work to do with B's sleeping. It was time for me to lay the smack down on her and get serious. No more Mrs. Nice Mommy. I read up on one of my favorite sleep books, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and went for it. I started by putting her down for her naps and not soothing her anymore. I used to go in her room after she had been crying for five minutes and soothe her. Then if she was still crying I would soothe her after ten minutes etc. Usually she didn't need to be soothed more than twice. But B is a big girl now (almost 6 months!) and I'm over dreading nap time and bed time. I should have done this a long time ago but with your first baby it's hard to be confident!
So on Monday I waited for B to give me her tired cues and then snuggled with her for five minutes, put her in her crib and walked away. She cried for 45 minutes before she fell asleep the first day but lately now she either doesn't cry at all or cries 15 minutes. It's not easy to let her cry but I know it's so she can learn to sleep and I can already see the benefits. She's back to waking only once at night which I can deal with. She still wakes from her naps after 30-45 minutes but I let her cry herself back to sleep because I know that is not an appropriate length of time for her nap.
I highly recommend the mentioned book above along with Baby Wise. I'm determined to help B learn to become a good sleeper and since I only have one child and I'm staying home I really have no excuse not to.
I know that most people don't care about this stuff but as a mom it interests me so I hope some readers found it helpful. Feel free to ask any questions!
And finally we have B's five month pictures...
- sitting in her Bumbo while we make dinner
- reading books about farm animals
- chewing on her stuffed animals faces
- playing in her jumperoo/ play mat
- going on walks
- going to church
Here is what she is doing...
- sucking her toes
- talking to her toys
- reaching for her toys
- returning strangers smiles
- spending more time on her tummy
- going to bed without her swaddle
Today we are going to the beach with my friend Rikki. A great way to beat the heat!
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I'm a momma-to-be (in about 4 weeks) and I'm soaking up as much info as I can. I certainly appreciate your post about teaching little B to sleep. Sounds like you've learned a lot in the past 6 months!
ReplyDeleteI have SO much to learn...love how you're keeping it real! xo
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