Self Soothing/Crying it out...is there a difference?

Ashleigh - posted on 08/14/2010

Thanks for your help everyone! :) you have given me alot of new ideas to try!

Kathy - posted on 08/13/2010

I watched my 12 month old granddaughter and because of some stomache problems we rocked her to sleep until around 8 or 9 months. Little by little I would rock her with a blanket and pacifier spending less time each rocking, music was on, it relaxed her and she still would cry but not as long or loud. I still still with her for a second and soothe her and then lay her down and she does not fuss. They need us now and it will change from month to month, just love and enjoy!

Renae - posted on 08/13/2010

"Self soothing" refers to the ability to relax enough to go to sleep without help from a parent (cuddles, rocking, or just being in the room etc).

There are different methods of CIO. CIO is a type of sleep training technique. "Sleep training" just means teaching the baby to self soothe so that they go to sleep on their own.

When a baby learns to go to sleep on their own, they automatically sleep for a longer stretch and can often go back to sleep on their own when they do stir.

In my opinion, all CIO methods should only be used in conjunction with cry interpretation, so that you know how to listen for a distress cry. Some CIO methods are more distressing than others.

CIO is not the only sleep training method out there. There are quite a few that are known as "no-cry" methods, which as the name suggests, do not involve leaving your baby to cry at all. If you like I can PM you instructions for a gradual withdrawal method which is the one most commonly used by sleep consultants and is based on proper behaviour modification techniques (which CIO is not).

There are also combination methods, which involve a little bit of crying but are far more gentle than CIO and far less distressing for both mum and baby.

Basically, the CIO methods work quickly (3-6 nights) if done correctly and have success rates of over 97%. No-cry methods take 4-6 weeks and require a lot of patience. It all depends what feels right for you and your baby.

You are welcome to msg me to discuss further if you like.

Cheryl - posted on 08/12/2010

This is always hard.. mine was a high demand baby, too and he was in our room till 15 months.. have you heard of the little heartbeat toy that you put under or next to the baby that has a simulated heart beat.. that is soothing to some babies.. there is also some contraption you can put on the crib that jiggles it a little and makes a bit of noise like a car ride.. I would go ahead and rock the baby, let him fall asleep on you but right away put him gently in his bed.. and leave the room.. if he wakes up again, try to let him fuss for a bit.. unless he gets hysterical, don't go in.. if you do this.. and not let him sleep on you for 20 or 30 min first, the chances are better he will fall back asleep. You can also try putting him in his bed and patting his back or jiggling the crib and singing softly.. it would be nice if he could sleep without falling asleep on you.. everything with babies is habit.. they get used to certain things.. just try to change those habits gradually and gently.. try bathtime and massage before nighttime too. Mine never slept all night either til 15 months