Hi there,
To provide some some context on my DS's situation, here's a bit of history on how he's been sleeping:
10 months: Used PU/PD to sleep train him. Took 5 days. He started sttn afterwards (but we would stay in the room until he fell asleep). Life was good
So this is great, I did the same with DS at the same age. The next step after this would have been to use GW until you're out of the room, to promote completely independent sleep.
You really have a grip on your DS history!
and looking at it, you guys have done a great job. I think the only thing that perhaps hasn't helped is staying with him after the initial PU/PD sleep training.
My wife and I have concluded that WI/WO isn't going to work for our DS, at lest not at this point.
For many LO's WI/WO isn't successful until older, and that includes our DS, it would make him crazy, so I have always stuck with GW.
However, I'm not sure if Gradual Withdrawal is going to work either. No matter how gradually we withdraw, at some point we'// have to make the switch from "in the room" to "out of the room", and that's where we got stuck on.
If you are already at the door, the next step would be to stand in the doorway with it closed as much as possible. After that outside the door with it open a little, still using the sleepy phrase now and then so he knows you're there, and then you're out!
Could you post his routine for me, WU time, Nap time and BT, just in case there's anything I can see that may be adding to the issue.
Also are there any development issues that you can think of right now
walking, speech etc
Also it's always good if whatever you're doing at night ST wise, you are also doing for his nap.
Having said all that, I can tell you that during this 18 month regression, most parents end up APOP'ing (accidental parenting on purpose) in whatever way gets not only LO and but themselves also, the most sleep. So I suspect, your hand on his back in order to help DS get the message isn't a bad thing, if that is what gets him to sleep fastest.
Remember once a LO is ST, they can always go back to how things were, although it doesn't feel like it during these times, trust me I know
. Once things improve, then maybe go with GW and get out of the room.
IIWM, I would always try to do things the way you prefer, erring on the hopeful side
and if it fails, then switch it up, does that make sense
I know this won't make you feel any better, but as you can see from the support thread, this regression is one of if not THE hardest, I remember it well
and this too shall pass. Just not the best timing for you guys
.
(HUGS) and good luck for tonight, finger's crossed you can start to get DS on track before baby 2 arrives!
x.