I just wanted to share a success story! My 2 year old DD has struggled with falling asleep since week one. We have adhered to the "no cry" philosophy which in our case actually results in "no cry without parent holding" since plenty of crying has happened. We do not co-sleep, just because it means parents don't sleep well not b/c we have any philosophical problem with it. It usually took us 1-2 hours to get her to sleep at night, with her falling asleep at times at 10pm. We did use the "No Cry Sleep Solution" which helped a bit with sleeping through the night but not much with falling asleep.
So, first my advice is that things do change and they usually do get better. I know that's hard when you're getting 3-5 hrs of sleep a night and you need better NOW.
Secondly, I find what has changed the most is just some magical development stages. About six months ago she just started sleeping through the night (with some exceptions) and we recently implemented a strategy that works beautifully now, but I'm sure six months ago she would not have accepted. We still do an awake routine of about 45 min of Dad time, reading, quiet music, etc. this is now followed by about 5 minutes of nursing, 5 min of massage, a kiss good-night, give her a special cloth book to read to her dolls and put on quiet music, leave the door open a crack while we are earshot away in the living room. It is fabulous! When she's especially needy she can call for us or come into the living room, which she did the first week or so but rarely does now. It's just such a wonderful change from the hour long battle we used to have staying with her.
So, I hope this helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel
So, first my advice is that things do change and they usually do get better. I know that's hard when you're getting 3-5 hrs of sleep a night and you need better NOW.
Secondly, I find what has changed the most is just some magical development stages. About six months ago she just started sleeping through the night (with some exceptions) and we recently implemented a strategy that works beautifully now, but I'm sure six months ago she would not have accepted. We still do an awake routine of about 45 min of Dad time, reading, quiet music, etc. this is now followed by about 5 minutes of nursing, 5 min of massage, a kiss good-night, give her a special cloth book to read to her dolls and put on quiet music, leave the door open a crack while we are earshot away in the living room. It is fabulous! When she's especially needy she can call for us or come into the living room, which she did the first week or so but rarely does now. It's just such a wonderful change from the hour long battle we used to have staying with her.
So, I hope this helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel
