WI/WO What is it? When do I use it?

[riuliani]

I have looked through some previous posts and I am still confused on the Walk In Walk Out technique.  How is it done properly and better question when are you supposed to use it?

I have a 10.5 month old.  He is too big/old for Pick Up Put Down.  I have tried just Put Down but it turns into a game.  I am thinking I need a new strategy that doesn't lead to giggles and a little jack in the box jumping up and down in front of me.

Thanks in advance!

[rinajack]

At that age I had best luck with Wi/PD/WO

So if she cried, I would go in, lay her back down, tell her it is time to go to sleep now, then leave.  IF she cried I returned and repeated.  If she played, I didn't lay her back down, I simply left - assuming a happy baby will lay down when they are ready.

[mari]

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=80750.0

That's the link to the information on the technique.

The technique is used to help our toddlers understand that they have to go to sleep but we are coming back to them and are always there when they need us.
As opposed to CIO which can make babies feel abandoned, when babies and toddlers are being taught to settle themselves they will cry as they are not used to it (they will be used to other methods like rocking, nursing, patting etc) but whilst they will be crying, we are not leaving them to cry alone, we are with them, reassuring them and gently helping them to get to sleep independently.
The best way to do it is to listen to the cry and respond. If you think that the cry is saying 'help, I need you' then go immediately, but sometimes the cry is just saying, 'I need to sleep' then we can do WIWO.
I hope that this answers you questions.  If you are thinking of using this technique then we will help you and support you here.  If you think that your baby is old enough then by all means try it.  All babies develop differently and some 10 month olds might be ready, some might not.  
There is also information on the link with regards to GW, it all depends on the level of Accidental Parenting that has occurred (if any)
Mari

[riuliani]

Thanks for the above information.  I somehow missed that link in my searches.  I think I was looking under the sleep information instead of the toddler board.

Our little guy has always been an independent sleeper.  We have never worried about APing him by bringing him into our bed to sleep.  He just wouldn't sleep there.  He likes to be by himself, sucking his fingers.  Normally we just diaper him, give him a hug, tell him goodnight we will play some more in the morning and he is off to dreamland.  He needs a short wind down rather than a long one.

Lately we have been hit by a few things, daylight savings, then travelling, an illness, then standing and cruising, then another illness that he is just starting to shake.  Some of the time he has needed me to hold him and sing to him to help him get to sleep.  I also think he is starting to develop some separation anxiety.  I see it during the day too when I leave the room etc.

It looks like I was already doing a combination of PD/WO/WI.  I think I will continue with that strategy.  It seemed to take less time for him to settle last night after taking 2 hours to settle the night before. 

[mari]

If that strategy is working for you then I would go along with it.  Changing tatics only confuses them and I know that 2 hours is a long time but (as you are realising) the length of time eah night tends to get sorter.

Good luck and just shout if you need any help, seems like you are doing great though.