is five months old too young to start letting my son fall asleep by himself?

Krista - posted on 05/29/2010

I find it's best to wait at least 20min after a baby falls asleep before laying him down. when they first go to sleep, it's more of a doze and they are easily stirred awake. it's best to wait till they reach a deeper level of sleep to lay them down successfully. Each child is very different (i have 3...) but you should wait till you baby is at least 6m or older before trying any type of sleep training.



i could not let my kids cry it out, ferber isn't for us and many who use the system don't do it right, but you'll make it through, just have patience :) Good luck!

Caroline - posted on 05/29/2010

My son had been getting himself to sleep for a few months now. I read somewhere that from 3months its safe to leave them to cry for a bit then go back in then leave a bit longer. I think up to 3months they are learning to trust you.
I think routine helps. We do bath, massage, story, bed with his musical on. He normally takes about 10minutes to drop off to sleep now. First time he screamed and screamed but its worth it in the end. :)

Melissa - posted on 05/28/2010

You can let him put himself to sleep and help him at the same time =) we do this with my son. (some days are better than others)
when he was about 2 months old we started to have a routine whenever he goes to sleep...we would rock him until he is almost asleep so that when he lays down he is still awake (less of a shock if they wake up and your not holding them) after we lay him down we shut off the light and leave the room (he also has a little seahorse that lights up and plays lullaby music and a binky)
if he wakes up crying we go in without turning on his light, we give his binky back and turn his sea horse back on. We stay only a minute or two and talk very softly to him...we don't pick him up unless he is hysterical...it takes time but it lets them know that you are still there and you will help them if they need you.
I've heard you should wait 5 minutes the first time, then 10 then 15 before going back then starting over with 5....i don't think we have ever timed it...but you do eventually learn when he is just whining and when he needs you
the more consistent you can be the better. same times same routines same reaction to his crying. in time he will go to sleep on his own. my son still has bad days when I give his binky back a few times. But for the most par i can lay him down and he goes right to sleep, then when he wakes up he coo's and talks to his seahorse until i go get him. =)
good luck...and don't give up...it takes time and there will be good days and bad days

Nicole - posted on 05/28/2010

No, I don't think he's too young at all to start teaching him to self sooth. I let my daughter cry a little bit, but more than 4 or 5 minutes means she's not ready to sleep and wants some more food or cuddling. She's been sleeping so much the last few days (growth spurt ♥) that rocking actually is keeping her up and making her upset! Go figure! LoL I am getting better at reading her signals. My secret weapon is the pacifier, and I'm going to try and stop using it so it's not a weaning issue in the future.