Reintroducing CIO after move

[TiredMama90]

Moved 5 weeks ago, DS (2.5yrs) routine went out the window.

He used to go to bed at 7pm every night without a peep. Then he started getting me to sleep next to him.

We've just gone back to CIO. Not sure how long I can do this, last time it lasted 4 weeks until he gave in and started going to sleep without a fuss.

Help please!

Have you tried the quiet return instead? It's hard work, but possibly less distressing for both of you.

Essentially, if he leaves the room you return him to his bed with minimal interaction - no talking, no eye-contact. Just boring. But gentle. If he stays in bed but cries, you go in and do a bit of shushing and patting for 20-30 seconds, but, again, no talking and no eye-contact. You don't necessarily wait for him to calm down before you leave. You also don't need to wait long before you return - a minute or so is fine.

Bedroom light stays off throughout.

The point is that you're giving him a clear message that it's bedtime, and he has no choice in the matter, but also that you're not abandoning him.

IME with my dc at various ages, it tends to work quite quickly. Maybe 50+ returns the first night or two, tailing off to single figures by the end of the 1st week. Stays at single figures for a couple of weeks. Needs to be maintained thereafter, but often only needed a few times a week.