Talk to me about controlled crying...

[browntown]

I'd really like to hear some experiences of the controlled crying technique please...we have a 6 month old DD who was previously a good sleeper (could do 6 hours no probs), but since turning 5 months barely sleeps for more than 1-2 hours at a time at night.

I'm at my wits end and have been doing PUPD for the last week...it's not working!
Has anyone done controlled crying? I wouldn't like to let her 'cry it out', but think that CC might be a solution.
Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.
:)

Hi. We used CC with 6mo DS mainly to try and get his naps better (he always fights naps and cries a lot but that's for another thread!). Decided to start CC one evening as that was his 'best' settling time (previously we were rocking to sleep). That first night took 50 mins with us going in at 5, 10 and then 15 mins. I admit it was horrible and you need to make sure you and DH are in complete agreement as you need to support each other. The second night it was 15mins, the third night 3mins and, since then, he settles completely by himself. Sometimes he grumbles a bit so I know to go in and wind him again and then he falls asleep. I was amazed at the difference to be honest. It hasn't worked for naps though (although that could be because I'm too much of a wuss to do it properly when I'm by myself in the day).

I would recommend it but I know there are some very strong opinions out there so you need to be certain that it's right for you and your baby before starting.

it worked for us - DD was 6.5 months and had always been dreadful at sleeping. once we knew she could self-settle sometimes and go the whole night OK without food we did it. also all our various middle of the night rocking, shushing, patting attempts at settling her weren't stopping her crying.

when she woke at 1am we left her for 2 mins then 4 mins ... then she fell asleep for the whole night - practically a record. the next night was only about 3 mins. and since then she has slept from bedtime to dreamfeed and from dreamfeed to 630am-ish - about five weeks ago.

it was been a miracle for us, I really mean it - and for her. she is so much more cheerful, active and generally up for stuff.

agree with mull's caveats about strong opinions and making sure it's right - I had a very helpful talk with my health visitor before we did it and she reassured me that we had done our best and that it would be OK.