Bedtime confused with playtime

Usually DD is good about going down to sleep. She either falls asleep during her last feeding or shortly after. Occasionally however she seems to get a 2nd wind after we put her in the crib. At first she cries but when you pick her up she nothing but laughter and screeches. In the past we've been able to rock her back to sleep but tonight for example she thought me rocking her was a fun game and she just wiggled in my arms and screeched with laughter. I can't help but chuckle myself when she does this but I don't want this to start as a new trend of hers. Is there anyway besides CIO that I can get her to understand bedtime is not playtime?

Re: Bedtime confused with playtime

Wow..Megan does the same thing. Usually I give her a bottle and she falls asleep either while she is drinking it or once I put her in the crib. Sometimes, she too, gets a second wind and is wide awake when I put her in. Recently I have discovered that she LOVES the feel of a blanket on her cheek. I give her a small blanket to rub on her cheek..and just make it REALLY dark. I try not to pick her up again..sometimes I just rub her tummy but dont talk to her. If I do pick her up, she usually does the same thing. She will laugh and wiggle out of my arms like its play time (I laugh too LOL). So I TRY not to pick her up and let her tire herself out.

Its hard though because sometimes she will cry and I dont do CIO with her.

So far though..the blanket thing is a wonderful new find for us!

Re: Bedtime confused with playtime

Thanks! I'll try anything to avoid CIO, just not ready for that yet.

Re: Bedtime confused with playtime

I know Doreen..I feel exactly the same way.

I tried last week and I literally could not do it. I think it depends on the child too. Megan gets so upset. She gets SO red and then starts coughing. She doesnt cry much over anything so when she is crying like that, it breaks my heart. I honestly dont think I will ever do this method with her to be honest. I know it works for a lot of people and their babies and I think that is wonderful but I dont think doing it with Megan would be helpful to me or her.