My extremely spirited, touchy little one was taught using Tracy's put down method 6 months ago. I am not saying it didn't work,( although the first night he had a trantum for 3 hours) he actually began sleeping in his crib for lengths of time never before ( 1 hour naps instead of 20 min.) Night times were better too, I felt like a new woman when he didn't wake up every 40 min after putting him down. I stopped all night feedings until his wake up at about 6am. He still has always woken up at some point during the night. Now after 1 1/2 years of full night sleep I can count on one hand I need help!!!
I worked so hard 6 months ago, and little by little as I was so tired I began taking him out of his crib so I would not have to stand at his crib, with my back killing until he went back to sleep. I knew I was doing accidental parenting. I only did it a few times.But, of course at his age, 17 months, he quickly caught on. A couple of times I even nursed him I was so beside myself for sleep at night.
Now I am going back to put down and he is literally screaming for 3 to 4 hours straight. He is mad I won't take him out, tried to bite be, hit me, arches his back etc. I eventually end up in tears, despit always begining the episode remaining calm and telling myself i can make it through this, and maybe he will just setle back down.My partner cannot go, he has never even put him to bed (works 6am to 1030 pm) so if he does go my little one goes even more crazy. I have company in our home for the next 3 months and I feel bad for them right now too.
I understand things are going on right now for him, teething, seperation anxiety, etc. But I believe this has mostly to do with how stubbored natured he is. He will put up a fight and generally I can too. But now when its from 2 to 6 am I start to die out somewhere in the middle. This am it was 6 am and he hadn't eaten since 6 30 the night before, so out of pure exhaustion I nursed him and he went right back to sleep.
What on earth do I do. Do I completely changed around his bedtime routine, bath, books, milk, bed? should I give him milk before his bath. Is it okay to do a big change like that (especially when he is sooo sensitiveto any little change) Do I just keep doing this until he gives up? Should I do the timed leaving his room at bedtime is place of milk, or put down again? I need to sleep now and I need some help. Please.
Thank you,
Melissa
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