How to start....my son, Spencer, 6 months has recently regressed. Two weeks ago he started waking up (wide awake, that is) at four or five in the morning...we called it having a party. We were able after a few nights to shush him to sleep in his crib. Now, after his feeding at 12 or 1, he has been wide awake again! Two nights ago, I gave in after 1 1/2 hours and put him in bed with me. Last night, he slept in his crib but I had to get up to feed him twice and comfort him almost every hour. He uses a pacifier and we are still swaddling him because he thrashes about with his arms and doesn't allow himself to sleep. I know we need to break him of both of those things...how to start? My dear husband keeps hearing of the merits of crying it out from his co-workers but that idea leaves me feeling sick to my stomach.
So, here are my questions (excuse me for being long winded) I hope someone can help. What are the best ways to teach him to sleep unswaddled? When should I pu/pd? He doesn't fall asleep on the breast, so that's not our issue. It's just him getting himself settled when he wakes in the middle of the night. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Shannon Cobb
mom to spencer, 6 months