Started CIO... - ....and.....

CantWait wrote: it's working. Last Friday I got to my breaking point. DH and I were arguing about how Anthony wouldn't go to sleep on his own and I was always holding him and how I "spoiled him". So I got fed up and told dh to deal with it. I put Anthony in his crib and he cried for a heartbreaking 3 hours before falling asleep for his nap I wanted to kill dh. Since them it's been nothing like that though. The most he's cried is an hour. Yesterday he knew it was time for bed (nite nite). We started a new routine. Last nursing for the night, cereal and some yogart, bathtime, and book. Then we kiss everyone good night, go upstairs and close his curtains, turn his dimmer light on, and fish tank and give eachother kisses and hugs. He's got 1 teddy bear in his crib, it's suppose to be a special bedtime bear. It was so cute, cause soon as I said good night and gave him a hug he wimpered, he knew it was time for bed, but within 5 minutes he was asleep. Today at nap time, he cried for maybe 15 minutes, after playing in his crib for awhile and now he's sleeping. He's also sleeping through the night again. Not only is his sleep habits changed drastically and for the better, but his demeanor during the day is wonderful. He's much happier, stuck on bb less and isn't always constantly in my arms. This was the hardest thing for me to do, but it's turning out for the better.
Just thought I'd let you all know how things are going.

amynicole21 replied: I'm glad it's working out for you! Good luck

kimberley replied: i am glad things are getting better for you and that Anthony is sleeping better. hope he keeps it up

A&A'smommy replied: Awww that is great Marie! I'm so glad for you!

Kaitlin'smom replied: glad its working.....

I am gonna have to look into a new bedtime routine myself.....

MommyToAshley replied: I am glad you found something that worked for you.

5littleladies replied: I'm so glad that it's working for you. It's really hard at first but does get better. I hope he keeps it up.

ediep replied: oh , I am soooo gland that you found something that worked for you!!!! That day of 3 hours of crying must have been torture, but I am so happy that he is happier and sleeping better!!

juliajaj replied: That's great that everything is working out. DH & I went thru a similar experience with Olivia. We hated when she cried, but she cried even when we would hold her & try to comfort her, so we ended up doing a modified CIO routine based on a book we read. Within 2 weeks she was sleeping through the night, was able to put herself back to sleep when she woke up in the middle of the night & no longer cried while going down for bedtime or naptime. I agree 100% with the routine that you've established. By following the same routine each day/night, Olivia would be able to understand what time it was & wouldn't get scared to be alone in her crib. She has a blanket that is her "lovie" that she goes to bed with every night & at naptime. This is the only comfort she acts like she needs to help her sleep. One time I had the blanket in the dryer during her nap, so I gave her a different blanket. I didn't think it would bother her, but she cried & cried. Luckily her favorite blanket was done in the dryer after she was in her crib for 2 minutes, so DH quickly & quietly gave it to her, took out the other blanket & she was sound asleep within minutes. This was proof to us how she's become a creature of habit.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I know how hard this must have been for you, but I'm glad it is working! It will get easier!

CantWait replied:
I'm glad it worked for you also. Anthony again whimpered when we went to his bedroom tonight but was asleep within minutes..AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Big hugs to you! That is so hard to do...watch them cry like that! Maddie is still so hard to get to bed and sometimes you just have to do what you have to do for your own sanity. I'm glad things are better. I hope they continue to go well.

coasterqueen replied: I'm glad it has been working for you.

I just couldn't do CIO, but now that Kylie is 19 months old I've realized that she is now sleeping longer periods of time and I think in time she will finally sleep on her own.