I'm getting to the point where I really need DD (14 months) to learn to fall asleep on her own, and I think she needs it, too. Some people say their babies fight sleep, but I would say that sleep fights DD. She'll put up a good fight, trying and trying, flip-flopping all around the bed trying different positions and closing her eyes for 30 - 40 minutes before she gets frustrated and gives up. I'm always there with her, singing to her, patting her, jiggling her, doing whatever I think she needs on that particular night to help her out. Sometimes I feel like she wants me to fall asleep for her, and trust me, I would if I could! At this point I can have her 99% asleep, lay her down, and no matter what I do (lie with her, sit near her, sing, don't sing, play music or not, pat her or not, etc.) she wakes back up. It's frustrating for me, and I think it frustrates her, too, because she really seems to want to be asleep.
I've read about PU/PD, and I think it sounds like a reasonable method. I like that I'd be there to soothe her whenever she cried, but she'd ultimately have to do the falling asleep part alone in her bed without my help. I'm wondering how it would translate to a mattress on the floor. If she's not crying, but wants to get out of bed and play, would I let her, or should she be made to stay in her bed? Do you allow baby to cry for a certain period of time after lying them down before picking them back up to soothe them again? Any other tips or suggestions for an even better, more gentle way to teach my LO to fall asleep? Because this is really driving me nuts...
EDIT: By "fall asleep on her own," I just mean without me having to perform a three-ring circus. I am very happy staying in the room with her until she falls asleep, even helping her along - but I want her doing the majority of the work, not me.
