BabyWhispererForums.com
SLEEP => Sleeping For Toddlers => Topic started by: Sarah˛ on June 13, 2006, 20:08:01 pm
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This is a summary of the methods outlined in the Babywhisperer books and the Sleep Interview. For additional information, please refer to the books or the sleep interview or post in the Toddler Sleep forum with your questions.
Gradual withdrawal -
Teach your child to go to sleep independently by either laying a hand on him or letting him hold your hand. Sleep on a mattress near your child's crib. When your child is going to sleep with your hand on him or holding your hand, remove your hand but stay on the mattress by his crib. Every three nights thereafter move the mattress closer to the door until you're out the door and your child is going to sleep completely independently.
Toddler pd -
Do your bedtime routine, lay your child in his crib and stand back. When he cries, go to him, lay him down and stand back regardless of whether or not he is still crying. Repeat as necessary. If he is laying down crying but does not stand, go to him and comfort him briefly. If he is not crying but only stands, ignore him.
Walk out/walk in -
Do your bedtime routine, lay your child in his crib and walk out of the room. When he cries, count to 5/10/15 seconds (timing dependent on your child and his cues), walk in, lay him down and comfort him briefly and walk out again regardless of whether or not he is still crying. Repeat as necessary. If he stops crying during your count, do not go into the room. If he starts crying again, start your count over again. If your child is going through separation anxiety, this method may not be your best choice.
Please do not start teaching independent sleep when your child is ill. Wait until your child is feeling better before starting any method.
Whichever method you select, it is very important to stick with it for at least two weeks before changing methods. It is also important to be 100% consistent. Do not start a method and try it for 30 minutes, only to take your child out of his crib or resort to the old accidental parenting. That will only teach your child that if he cries long enough, you'll take him out of his crib. The next night he'll cry even harder or longer trying to get the same result.
The final piece of advice - post on your progress. Its very helpful to get advice on tweaking your method or acknowledgement of your progress! Good luck!