Baby Sleep Solutions: A Review in a Way

Lately Baby M has decided naps and sleep are only for babies. A few months ago we did a slight sleep coaching week where we helped her try to fall asleep on her own (i.e. not being rocked).



We tried attachment parenting and Dr. Sears Nighttime Parenting the first time. Baby M had some struggles early on in her short little life health wise. Because of this she responded better to attachment parenting. She began sleeping almost 12 hours. It was wonderful!!!!

Until now....







So we tried the No Cry Sleep Solution and Elizabeth Pantley's conceptions. We are not allowed to let her cry for lengthy times because of her health issues and this was recommended to us because, well, because of the title! But.... Every time I laid her down I got "Oh Mama, you really think I'm ready for bed!" She did not respond to this at all! Not even a little bit. I did the pick up and put down thing a hundred times a night. She'd wake up about a half hour later ready to play.

So now what!!??



So here we are. Trying something new... We are right here about now: The Sleeplady Shuffle. So far so good. She's been falling asleep on her own. She cut that time down from an 1 hour to about 15 mins in just two days. YAY!!!



I haven't bought the Sleeplady's Book. I bought the other two. They did have some awesome advice and information for sleeping. Baby sleep habits and cycles are much different from adults. And she really isn't just being stubborn. She doesn't know how. And I, as her Mama, have to teach her. This is why the SleepLady calls it sleep coaching not training. We're gently helping her learn.








A few things to consider before starting any kind of sleeping coaching or training.
To full out coach make sure they are about 6 months old. Little teaching sessions can occur before 6 months but nothing major until then.
Take care of pain first. This will keep babies awake. Baby M never slept more than a 1/2 hour until she was diagnosed and got her MSPI managed. Teething is HUGE. Watch for that.
If they aren't ready, don't push it. In a few short years she won't want you to rock her at 1am. She won't want you to hug her for that matter!! Soak it up. Enjoy it.

Check around. Different methods work for different babies.

And pray! : )