How do I get my 7mo old to sleep in his own bed?!

Kim - posted on 06/30/2009

Having just the one room now is probably a trickier situation to get him sleeping on his own than if he had his own room. Have you asked his pediatrician for advice? While I agree to let babies "cry it out," there is a limit. I think letting them fuss for up to 20-30 minutes is fine but if it turns into labored screaming and you feel he is in distress, I recommend soothing him. You don't have to rush in, turn on all the lights and pick him up. Sometimes just giving him his blankie or passfier or turning on some music and rubbing his back or singing to him helps. Just so he knows you are there but won't pick him up every time he cries. Before my last baby was born, I got a book called The No Cry Sleep Solution. I didn't agree with everything in there but it has many helpful suggestions. You know your baby better than anyone so you will find a combination of suggestions/solutions that work for both of you. I'm assuming he is not taking bottles or feeding at night but if you feel he is waking because he is hungry, try feeding him more, closer to bed time. That works for mine. When it was time for our baby at 2 months (now 7 months) to start sleeping in her own crib instead of in her bassinet next to our bed (or to my husbands chagrin IN bed with me, LOL) I slowly introduced her to sleeping in her crib at nap times. Whenever I had to put her laundry away or clean in her room, I put her in her crib with her stuffed toys so she would be familiar with that surrounding. I also would put her to bed at night with a t-shirt or tank top that I was wearing that day so she had my scent to soothe her. You don't want your baby to associate his own bed with crying and distress, it will be harder to wean him from sleeping with you. Pediatricans will tell you at this stage, you can't "spoil" them. They need what they need but so do mommies. I hope you find a solution that works for you in your time frame, good luck to ya!

Kristi - posted on 06/09/2009

I agree with Michelle...I have a 2 yr old and a 9 month old and they have been sleeping in their own beds since they were 4 months old. It is very hard to let them cry it out but it works. It takes about 3-4 nights and they will be fine. My son was the hardest...he would scream and I would cry outstide his door but he eventually settled down and now is a great sleeper. Check the clock...a lot of the time only a few minutes have passed. It just feels like an eternity. If he is fed changed and satisfied then he is just waking out of habit, unless you notice teething, but even then comfort him give tylenol or whatever and put him back in his bed. He will be okay and so will you!

Corinne - posted on 06/06/2009

my daughter was the same way! i use the playpin and set it up next to the bed! i also let her nap in her crib and before shes 100% asleep i lay her down in the playpin so she can get used to falling asleep by herself! she will wake up a few times in the night bc she rolled over and hit the side of the playpin and cant roll over anymore...but as soon as i adjust her she goes back to sleep! if he still wont sleep alone you might try moving him into the crib after hes fallen asleep! its not the best idea but it will give you and your hubby time alone! you can also try a website i found somewhat useful for answers to anything http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/ i know it says "pregnancy" but it has a link for mothers too ask advice, etc! i wish i could be more help! just stay on track and dont stop out of frustration! he will adjust in time! :)

Michelle - posted on 05/18/2009

If there is only one bedroom, I would suggest letting the baby have it and sleeping on the couch. When you put in th sleep at night, and he starts fussing, let him fuss, and cry until he falls asleep. This can last anywhere up to 2 hours sometimes. It's hard, very hard, but in the long run you are doing your child and your marriage a favor. If we wakes in the middle of the night, wait about 10 minutes. Most of the time they will put themselves back to sleep. If he's fussy after 10 minutes, go in and check on him. Check is diaper, if he drinks out of a sippy cup make sure he has something to drink. Check if your still breast or bottle feeding him make sure he's not just going through a growth spirt and needs the extra calories. Try feeding him, if there is nothing wrong with him, and he's just fussing to fuss, put him back in bed and leave the room.



Mama needs to show baby whose boss from a young age. LOL! Hope this helps.