C doesn't do well with checks either. SOMETIMES it helps to talk to him through our baby monitor (telling him to "lay his head down" or say soothing things). Sometimes this just ticks him off.
B is OOT and sleep has been awful lately. I was having so much trouble getting DD2 down last night and I needed to put DD1 down, so i finally put dd2 in her crib and told her goodnight and went to put dd1 down. 17 minutes later dd2 was asleep. She woke twice, I nursed (but I would have had H go in and settle her if he was here), and she cried 5 minutes and 4 minutes. Tonight she cried for 3 minutes before she fell asleep.
I think checks would stir her up. I didn't intend to let her go 17 minutes the first time, but I could tell she was calming down on her own.
This is about the time that I just couldn't take it anymore with dd1, too. It's like it's all fine until suddenly it's just NOT anymore.
As people have mentioned in these type of posts before, different techniques work best for different babies, and day 1 is ALWAYS the worst. You may need to try a different technique (checks, no checks, being in the room but slowly moving away from the crib...) but don't give up after day 1 our let anyone make your feel like an inferior parent for wanting to improve your baby's (and your own) sleep*
* in assuming your don't have a tiny newborn or anything
Post by awkwardpenguin on Dec 12, 2015 13:28:25 GMT -5
My experience was that the first night was the worst. My DD had a pretty similar first night (except her crying lasted much longer) and the second night was much better and the third night she only woke twice.
The first night is definitely the worst. I also coped by eating. I remember sitting on the couch one night listening to him cry and shoving one cookie after another into my mouth. Hang in there!
I also agree that the first night is the worst. By far, IME. I would *try* to keep the same system for a few more nights if you can manage it.
I also agree that this is intensely personal and there is nothing wrong with giving up for a bit, nor is there anything wrong with sticking it out in an effort to improve everyone's sleep. I feel your pain. Truly. Dd2 had a much easier second night (and a much easier first night than O), but dd1 was an absolute bear, and once she got it, she was suddenly a great sleeper and still is.
Post by melsamoony on Dec 12, 2015 22:16:25 GMT -5
@pennypie I could have written your OP when we first started sleep training. We did a combo of CIO and extinction and within 3 nights things were so much better.