For Those of You Who Love Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child .... HELP!

very important info missing -- how old is Baby Josh? Some just aren't ready for sleeping training until at least 6 months, some it takes even longer.
Although, yes: rocking the baby to sleep might make it harder for him in the long run.

When my son was about 6 months old we did the CIO thing and it worked well. I did always check on him to make sure he didn't have a stinky diaper, but I suggest no talking, check diaper, change if needed, quick hug, kiss, then lay him back down and let him cry it out. He's going to need to learn to fall back asleep without being rocked, so you might as well take that crutch away from him now. Chances are he's just protesting the change, by checking on him real quick you can make sure he doesn't need anything, he'll know you're close by, but that you mean business.

Also this is just my opinion and my pediatricians, but for those who say crying it out is developmentally harmful, I disagree. I think it's harmful not to help your child learn to comfort himself and fall asleep on his own. Learning to sleep and get yourself to sleep is a life-long skill. My boy is now almost 2. At night we do; bath, PJs, books, sing a song or two and then I put him in his crib wide awake and he says "Bye, Love you!" and goes to sleep on his own. He is not nervous or anxious, he is happy, his parents are happy, all is well. (By the way he does have a blankey/lovey he sleeps with which I recommend!)

Sorry one more thing, there will be times when his schedule gets off (teething, sick, traveling, growth spurts) Just remember when these times come to be patient for a day or two and just stick to the plan as best you can, you might feel like your starting over but he'll adjust back fairly quickly if you just stick to the routine. Also if you're like I was, I was nervous about letting him cry, but try to be positive and let him surpise you, I bet he'll be sleeping through the night sooner than you think!

Good luck!

Try moving his bed time to later in the evening like 9 pm. I always started my kids out later and they adjusted on their own once sleeping through the night was established. And I also agree that rocking him will only make it more difficult. He will only want what makes him soothed. Does he have a pacifier or a special lovey that might help him to self soothe??

How old is the baby? And yes, I think the inconsistency of your husband rocking him would make it worse.

Have you ever heard of dream feeding? I did this for my daughter for a while and it actually helped her sleep through the night. They actually feed while sleeping. It is just an idea that you might be able to incorporate into your plan, should you like it. Check online and see what you think. Good luck.

I would read Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old by Suzy Giordano. My son was the same way. One thing that really helped was to pick a wake up time and not go more then 15 minutes over that time. It helped set is little clock. I wish I would have read this book earlier than when he was 8 months old.. Good luck and happy sleeping.

Read baby wise I didn't follow everything, but it helped for a schedule to be set up. They said breastfeed babies can sleep though night she was on formula when began though the night.
, however worth the time.

As much as people say you can train a baby, no baby ever really sleeps as well as some might have you think. Between teething and growth spurts and separation anxiety, etc. there's always something. Consistency helps, but Josh doesn't understand clocks and schedules. As for crying it out, that is actually VERY BAD for your baby's nervous system. It works because baby learns that his needs won't be met no matter how loud he screams--not exactly the message you want your child to have. Studies show that because the brain is forming so quickly at this age, it actually wires the brain in such a way that the child will grow up more nervous. So I would say that idea is out. I have always slept with my children and nursed on demand. Having them right there made it so we could both just fall right back asleep. I know that isn't for everyone. The Baby whisperer has a great book out on teaching baby to sleep that won't cause the anxiety that crying it out causes. I would recommend that.
Good luck!
J.

I have never read this book so I can't speak to what it wants you to do, but I think the cry it out method is just a horrid practice and research agrees!
He is only 6 months old!!!
My first baby slept through the night from 2 months on (we were lucky) BUT baby #2 didn't sleep through the night until 8 months.
Every kiddo is different and it is crazy to let a book slap every baby into some mold!
He is crying because he NEEDS you! He is only small once and you will miss these days! Trust me...
One day he won't need you at all anymore and you will wish you could have these days back.

I was a fed on demand mom, so clearly we don't see eye to eye on things, but when my girls needed me I went to them. I do let them cry for a few minutes to see if they just need to sooth themselves a bit, but if it goes on I see no reason to not go in and let them know I am there.
If they need a feeding so be it!

We are lucky that our 2 year old still sleeps like a champ and our now 1 year old goes down at 830 and sleeps until 7. Didn't happen over night, but we just gave her time and patience and she slowly grew out of it.
I also highly recommend white noise and some lovies and music in the crib.
Our 1 year old will wake up at night here and there, but will turn her music on (it has light) and will flip through books or play with her few toys before falling back asleep.

What ever method you chose it has to be something you can live with that isnt' making you TOO crazy or the child. However, it has only been three days...takes a lot longer to train kids than that in my experience