a few CIO questions, please help...

Savannah turned 6 months on monday, which was my time that I wanted to start CIO. we did it last night for the first time (wow it was hard), should we continue it today with her naps?

we usually rock her to sleep for her naps and she sleeps for 20-30 minutes at the most. should we put her down sleepy for a nap and let her cry?

also, she cried for 36 minutes last night, I went in after about 15 minutes and rubbed her belly and her head, shushed her a bit to let her know that we are there and then walked out. I didnt pick her up, is that right? then I didnt go in again because after a few minutes her cry got softer and then she was out.

also, what do you do in the middle of the night when they wake up? she got up twice, once we just rubbed her again and she fell back asleep pretty quick, the second time I let DH feed her because I figured she was so thirsty from all the crying

this is so hard, I felt terrible. I kept looking at her little face in the monitor and it broke my heart.

thanks for any advice or words of encouragement that you may have.

Message edited 5/27/2009 9:49:55 AM.

Re: a few CIO questions, please help...

Yes CIO is very hard. We started at 5 ½ months and have had to do it numerous times since (after colds, trips, etc). But it definitely works and is totally worth it… for you and her especially.

Whether or not you want to do it for naps is up to you. We started with naps first because that was a nightmare. Like you, we had to walk around the house bouncing him to get him to sleep. Then when we put him down, he woke up. Then he’d only sleep for 30 minutes because he was so overtired. It was exhausting. So we started with naps first. The first time, he cried for 45 minutes before falling asleep. But it only took maybe 2 or 3 days of it and then he went down without a peep. He was more rested, his temperament was better, we actually had some free time, and his naps gradually got longer.

For naps, you let them cry for up to an hour and yes you should put them down sleepy but awake (so they learn to put themselves to sleep on their own). If they’re still crying at an hour, go get her and go about your day. Then try again for nap #2. You don’t want to let it go for more than an hour because then it will most likely mess up the rest of your routine.

We could never go in when doing CIO because it only made ds more mad. But many do the checks as you’ve done, which is fine. Do what works for you and what you’re comfortable with. However yes you do not pick her up at all when doing CIO. Rub her back, sshh her, rub her head or whatever. But do not pick her up out of the crib.

After 2 weeks of starting the CIO for naps, we moved on to nighttime. Ds was getting up 5 times a night, so we set a goal for ourselves. We don’t mind getting up once to feed him, but 5 times is nuts. So anytime between 1-3am, we’d feed him if he woke up. But before or after that time frame, we let him CIO. The first night was tough. He cried for an hour and 45 minutes. But it only took 2 nights, thank god.

You can do it!!!! It’s better in the long run for everyone involved. I’m a huge believer in CIO, even though it can be very tough. Keep up the good work though and let us know how it goes!

Re: a few CIO questions, please help...

You may want to hold off on CIO for naps until you've got night time down.

It may be just too much for you.

When we did CIO, I didn't go in in the middle of the night, because I knew that would upset him more. After the 3rd night, he was sleeping right through. (With the occaisional night waking due to teething, colds, etc.)

It is the hardest thing, but after the first few nights, you'll see a world of difference. Consistency is key. If going in and rubbing her head/belly works - then keep doing it. Just be consistent in whatever you choose to do.

Good Luck!!!