My goal for last night was to keep Ryder in his crib (and not bring him to sleep with me). Depsite a 45 minute crying fit at 11pm, we did it. And even better, he slept from 12:30 to 6am without another issue. I can’t believe how happy that made me!
I visited a free sleep consultant today and told her about the new issues. She suggested we spend time during the day (when he’s not tired and cranky), playing the crib and teaching him how to sit down. Brilliant! Sometimes I wonder how clueless I am to not even consider that option. She noted that he’s probably still not feeling 100% certain about the new room, plus layer on the new standing skill and we have a sleep issue.
She was concerned about the rocking to sleep – but because he once was able to fall asleep on his own, thought we wouldn’t have any trouble getting back to that place. She recommended putting him in the crib sleepy, in his favorite sleep position and keep a hand on his back until he falls asleep. After he masters that, I could move to the doorway, so he knows I’m still there and can fall asleep. Eventually, I should be able to leave the room more quickly and he wont’ have issues getting to sleep. This hitch is that we have to do it at naptime, too.
This will come in time. I know he can fall asleep on his own – we just need to remind him of it. But, he’s got a bit of a cold and right now I want to focus on getting him to sit down in the crib and stop this crazy nighttime freakouts.
She also confirmed by opinion that we have to stick with the plan and can’t be bringing him to bed one night and forcing him to stay in the crib the next. Consistency! Hopefully Marc can do it while I’m gone next week.
Baby steps.
