I wonder how many people in the 'six months is too young to self-soothe' camp are the ones that are struggling with sleep issues when their children are two and three years old. I think six months is plenty old enough for them to learn how to do it - they are MUCH more capable than we oftentimes give them credit for. Don't get me wrong, I still love to rock my baby to sleep some nights or before naps, but she also knows how to get herself back to sleep in the night when she wakes up, which is lovely as well. Laying him down while he's still awake is a big part of him learning how to do it on his own. He probably won't like it much but you'll appreciate the long-term results. Be consistent with bedtimes as well and he'll go down easier.
In April the College Park chapter of Mocha Moms is teaming up with the Laurel Moms Club to bring nationally renowned speaker Kim West author of "GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT: The Sleep Lady's Gentle Guide to Helping Your Child Go to Sleep, Stay Asleep and Wake Up Happy" with co-author Joanne Kenen . Published by CDS Books in January 2005
West has spoken to numerous parenting groups across the country about the importance of children's sleep and how to gently teach your child to go to sleep and sleep through the night.
Kim West received her master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. She lives with her family in Annapolis, Maryland .Visit her website at www.sleeplady.com
This event will take place on April 10, 2008 at 7pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel Bowie Rd. (Rte 197), Laurel, MD 20707. The ticket price is $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. For more information about this event please email [email protected]
I know my daughter feel asleep on her own better if she knew or at least thought we were right there. My husband and I would have conversations w/o looking at her or I would sit and read a book to myself or even pick up stuff around her room the who time not making eye contact with her and usually within about 10-15 min she was asleep. Another thing we did was to not go to her room right away when she woke up. We would let her play or just explore and get used to being on her own. I hope this is helpful. Erika S.
Thank you everyone for your “opinions”. I am grateful for the advice. My husband and I have come to a conclusion that best suits our family. Analee is correct. We want him to learn how to soothe himself back to sleep at 2, 3, 4 in the morning when he wakes up. So I will let you know in a couple of weeks how everything is going.
Keep up the great work moms. You all sound wonderful and I am glad that everyone has found something that suits their babies and their needs. I know that we will too.
God Bless