I have a 4 mo. We've been doing shshpat to sleep for a few weeks. At first, it was comforting, then it started to be more like a struggle. He'd fuss and I'd shshpat and eventually he'd sort of konk out. This didn't take long, though. Maybe 5-15 mins at most. We have a routine of soft music, swaddle wrap, dim lights, etc. He sleeps 9-11 hrs each night and goes back to sleep w/o much effort after that (to complete 12-13 hrs.)
The last week, I've been doing the music, wrap and lights (this is for all naps and night sleep) but walking out of the room for a bit. I let him lay in the crib so he can mellow out to the music. When he fusses, I go in and pat/shsh. Last night, I was folding laundry and he fussed for a minute or two and then fell asleep on his own by the time I got there. It wasn't a hard cry or even a real cry. It was that "I'm tired but not sure about sleep" fuss. This fuss seems to be most of what I hear when I need to put him to sleep or back to sleep.
This morning, I did the same and he lied in the crib quietly for 15 mins, a few squeaks and coos, before falling asleep on his own. He awoke 10 mins later and I pat/shshd to sleep within 5 mins.
He definitely associates the routine with sleep and naps. Should I continue giving him quiet music time in the crib (alone?) If so, do I set a time limit? What if he starts to play? Is that fussing okay (I go in before it becomes a cry)?
Added: I always put him down 15 mins before the 2 hr mark or when he seems tired (if earlier than 2 hrs.) We're on 3.5-4 hr EASY, although we're having trouble extending naps beyond 45 mins (which I'll post on the nap board.)
