I can't get 7mos DD to go to sleep on her own

[dylansmumplusone]

Had this problem with DS at this age (he's now almost 3) but after a few nights of letting him cry for 5 mins going in, 10 mins going in, etc. he was soon okay. Not the little diva. It's partly my fault because she's slept with us since birth but we were in a 2 bed flat and there was nowhere else to put her. Now we've moved to a house and after a week rocking her to sleep every night I'm trying to get her to sleep on her own and nothing works. She's screaming her head off with DH (I had to take a break) right now.

And of course as soon as she wakes in the night that's it, she's awake (usually 3.30am) and no going back to sleep.

Please help. I need sleep desperately.

[RaggedRobin]

both of mine went through this phase at around the same age. i think it's when they start to develop separation anxiety. with dd, now 9 months, it lasted for about a week. i could go in to settle her every half hour and through the night she insisted on sleeping nose to nose with me. it's absolutely exhausting, but we just went with it and the stage passed. has it been going on long with your dd?

[dylansmumplusone]

Well since the beginning she's been super cuddly. She likes to sleep with my arms around her if at all possible, if she wakes up sometimes the only way to get her back to sleep is laying her on my chest with my arms around her. But she still likes her sleep, so usually once she;s asleep she's pretty good. But this rough patch has been going on about 10 days I'd say.

I just got her off and am hoping because it's so late (she usually goes to bed around 8 and wakes up at 3.30, then goes back to sleep from 5 to 7.30 or so) she might actually sleep through.

I think I'd rather get up with her and still have my evening to myself though!

[dylansmumplusone]

I'm off to bed now but any pearls of wisdom or tips would be greatly appreciated!

[lou031205]

We weaned DD very slowly.

1. BF

2.Cuddled led down next to her.

1. Led down beside her but just holding her hand.
2. Cot side up but hold hands through bars (long stage)
3. Lay on bed so she could see us, but not holding hands or touching.
4. Finally can just put her down, say good night and walk away.

If she is ill she reverts to stage 4, but we then just work our way back again for a night or two when she is better.