OMG, did he just...yes he did!!!

[Louisep]

A miracle just happened, my DS just put himself to sleep! I am one of those mothers who has a 1-2 hour nightwaker and have for the last 9 months had to employ an elaborate toolkit to get my DS to sleep for naps and at night. For months I've had to sling him up and bounce, dance, rock and then unpeel myself once he's asleep. Well, over the last week, DH has started to put DS to sleep and DS hasn't responded to the sling approach. So DH lays down with him and DS started to fall asleep this way. Sometimes I would have to go in and finish off the job, but it seemed like progress.

Tonight, after an evening walk, I take him into our bedroom, nurse him (he doesn't fall asleep that way-only in the middle of the night), and then laid him down on the bed and I laid down next to him. I thought for sure he would pop up and start crawling like usual. But he didn't. And he wriggled and made his going to sleep noise, wriggled, flailed, and after 15 minutes FELL ASLEEP!!!

Right now I'm wondering if he's ill this is such a miracle! I wonder if he just needed to get there in his own time you know? He's sure to be awake in 40 minutes, but for now I am so STOKED. This is progress like I couldn't even dream of a mere 5 days ago.

There is hope ladies of LOs who require motion and all sorts of parental magic to go to sleep. Mind you, this might just be a one off. I so hope not.

[Lucia's mama]

Hey There
Miracle right? We just went through a simular transition. DD is 14 mo, and about two weeks ago, she started to reject being in the carrier for falling asleep. We were pretty done with it as well. It was getting colder and we usually put her to sleep by taking long walks.

In preparation to some ineveitable transition to something indoor, we had just started a really solid sleep routine. We were loaned a pentatonic harp which we would play as bedtime neared, as well as a song we ing every night. We then say night night to a bunch of people, neighbours and friends out the window. Lights lower. Usually by then she is signing to nurse. After a big nurse in bed, DH comes in and seals the deal. She falls asleep unsassisted with DH usually while he sings to her. ITS AMAZING, and is the reason I am even writing this right now.

It really renewed my faith in their own natural ability to transition and change habits when there is readiness.

Enjoy this new stage.

[echoecho1528]

YAY! I am very happy for you guys

But, of course, a word of caution!

DD fell asleep on her own for about 3 months strait 7-10 mo or so. It never meant she slept any longer though... and now at 20 months, she nurses to sleep and wakes every 2-3 hours or so.

I REALLY hope it is different for you!

[LeoneLover13]

That is SO awesome Louisep!!

I am so happy for you! DD does it a few times a week, but right now we are teething so she insists on nursing to sleep. But it is awesome to know that they actually CAN get themselves to sleep without nursing.

I absolutely agree that he probably just needed to get there in his own time, I think once they do it for themselves without being forced, it is probably an awesome accomplishment for them too, whether they express it or not. Definitely an important milestone.

Yay for you!!