Controlled Crying... Anyone got other options?

[Natanotherone]

I don't know if I agree with controlled crying really but I'm exhausted and don't know how much longer I can continue without a good nights sleep.

My DS is 5 months old, he has always been good on a night I just used to have to pop in maybe twice a night to pop his dummy back in, but in general he has been sleeping through without a feed since 3 months old.

Recently though its increased to between 10 and 15 times a night and there isn't anything wrong with him, even the dummy doesn't quieten him anymore. I have tried staying in there with him and shushing and reassuring until he falls asleep but within ten minutes of me leaving the room he is at it again. Eventually I become so tired I out him in bed with me and hubby... Really don't like doing that though as fear he will overheat and I don't want to start something that may last for years.

Sme friends suggested I try the controlled crying approach but will that work with a dummy? I just don't know. I feel like a terrible mother though because I just can't calm him down at night and me and hubby aren't getting along as the lack of sleep is making us both short tempered etc :((

I was very aware before he was born that sleepless nights might last for a year or so, but I know he can sleep through so it's frustrating

Ay help or suggestions gratefully received

Xx

Ooh CC is always controversial! It wasn't for us either, so we did a pick up, put down method advocated by the 'Baby Whisperer' book. It worked for us, and DD is now 2.5 and is a fantastic sleeper. We've only needed to put her in her cot, turn off the light and close the door since she was about 4 months. I'm a big believer in you need to do what feels right for you and your baby though, and what works for one isn't right for all....

When DS2 got to 10 months and was still consistently feeding every 2 - 3 hours (breastfed), we did what I called 'cuddle to sleep'.

DH would go in, pick up DS2 and rock / cuddle him until he got sleepy. He'd then put him in his cot and pat his back. If DS2 got distressed, DH would pick him back up and start again. If not, DH would pat his back and 'shhh' until DS2 fell asleep.

It took 2 nights. TBH, I hated it (was crying downstairs), but I was exhausted and I knew DS2 was with and being comforted by DH.

I wouldn't personally leave a baby to cry for more than a few minutes. Agree with poster above about feeling abandoned. I think it's important that you are at least in the room.

I had a similar experience with my son at the same age.

It was a good time to ditch the dummy as he cried past it!

My health visitor suggested early weaning as he might be hungry, which I did, and it worked like a dream.

Good luck - remember nothing lasts forever, no matter how hard it is at the time.

Still having bad nights but I genuinely just can't let him cry for long as I just feel rotten, which book out of the above is most recommended? Will,purchase a copy for my kindle today and try other methods to begin with xxx