how do i start?

[StormAngel]

Okay, i've decided to bite the bullet and start cc, but i've got no idea how to do it properly!

Any help would be appreciated!!

[vickster]

Hi Jo,

I'm feeling the same way and am a little bit scared to start the whole process all over again! I know I've mentioned the 'Sleep Right, Sleep Tight' book a few times now, but after doing a little research I think this program is the kindest to our little ones.

You start out by putting your baby into their bed as soon as the start to show their tired signs - rubing eyes, grizzling etc....You give them a kiss and say 'Night, Night' (say the same thing EVERY time you leave) and leave the room. If they start to cry, you go in straight away and settle them in their cot. Once thay are calm you walk out - you can stay for 2-10mins settling. If they start crying again, go in after 1min and settle (if they still won't settle after 10 mins, leave the room) then leave the room. If they start to cry again, wait 2mins...and so on. If you've been using the technique for 30-40 mins and they're still upset and unsettled, you get them up and have a break for a few mins, have a quiet play and start again when they're calm and show tired signs.

This is what I did the first time with Charlotte and it does work..took about 2-3wks though. For the 6-12mo, you pretty much do the same thing except instead of going in at 1,2,3,4,5mins.....you go in at 2,4,6,8,10mins....

Also, I am feeling so nervous about the whole thing again that I'm going to have our clinic visit brought forward to get some help. The CHNs were the ones who got me on to this sleep program, as they have a CHN who holds a sleep group to teach you.

Sorry to ramble :p

Good Luck and keep us posted.

[Nickster]

I too used this book for my baby girl (4 months old) and found it very gentle and baby-friendly.
A tip that may help you is that I photocopied the settling flow chart from my book (it outlines the procedure to settle) and blu-tacked a copy by her cot and one also just outside her bedroom door. I found it really helped to keep me focused, especially when I was suffering from sleep deprivation.
It also took me about 2 weeks to see improvement in my baby, but again the book has charts you can fill in so you can look back and see the progress you have made.
I hope this helps!
:)

[StormAngel]

Hi everone

I started yesterday and of the 4 sleeps iv'e used it on the longest she's taken to go to sleep is 35mins, she is sleeping for about 1.5-2hrs which is great and last night she was asleep at 8.15 which is better than the usual 9.30 upwards that she usually does and she slept until 6.30 this morning which is her usual waking time anyway.

so so far so good!!