Shush and Pat

[shem2005]

I am a little confused with the Shush Pat theory. I have read both BW books but still can't work it out.

Originally i thought that you do the wind down then lay baby in the bassinett, and if they cry you do the shush pat for about 20 minutes continuously until they go through the stages of sleep and are in a deep sleep.

Then reading it again it seemed like you stay there for 20 minutes but you only do the shush pat when they cry or fuss, then stop as soon as they are calm.

Which one is right?

How come I can get my daughter to sleep, she will usually self settle but she will still wake after 45 minutes??? My daughter is 9 weeks.

[Jenny K]

Hello! 

If your lo is self-soothing so well it sounds like you are both doing great!  I think that you are only supposed to shush/pat when they cry and fuss, but you can leave when they start to fall asleep.  When she is happy I think the less you interfere the better. 

The 45 minute waking is very common...try not to worry.  I find that my little guy gets through "intruders" better when I have the monitor off.    Obviously I sometimes go in too soon! 

I have found some advice to be contradictory too -- which means there are different ways to do the right thing for different babies.  Follow your best instincts and keep on truckin'!   :lol: