Started sleep training - is this a positive start, any idea how long till he sleeps through, and any tips welcome!

[bronya]

DS has begun to sleep through on his own occasionally, so I decided he didn't really NEED those night bfs, and started to say 'no' to those last night bfs. He cried for an hour, then went back to sleep. Will it stay like this? Get worse/better? How long till he sleeps through?

was that the first night you'd left him to cry? if so, likely pattern is reduced amount if crying each night for next 4-5 nights until he sleeps through. some sleep through quicker than this. some have a 'blip' on night 3/4 or so.

how old is he?

ps just to warn you there are lots of ppl on MN who are anti leaving a baby to cry at all... so you may get some flak...

How old is he?

I don't think I'd consider leaving a baby to cry for an hour a successful start to sleep training! But that's just me.

I'd go for a pick up / put down technique and offer water instead of milk, but only if the baby is a year old or more and on an established 3 solid meals a day.

How old is your child?

The first 2 nights were the worst for us, 3 was better, 4 was ok, she's slept through ever since. Oh and she's happy, well adjusted and cared for, and we all sleep well. Keep going!

Took 3 nights for ds however we are doing it again........have found every time we go away we need to repeat the same sad excersise. Best for all in the end though when he sleeps properly.

He's nearly a year. Last night he cried for about a few seconds, then settled to sleep on my chest, but again would only sleep on me until morning (so I'm nice and tired, he's just fine!!). He also slept for about half an hour longer before he woke, and initially tried to resettle himself, only wanting me when that didn't work. Both nights I picked him up when he woke and wanted me, but cuddled instead of fed. He didn't root for milk either night whilst being cuddled, and didn't want the offered water. The crying hasn't been because he was left, he cried the first night whilst being held.

The issue seems to be that he isn't so sure how to get to sleep without feeding to sleep. That's an issue when he goes to bed too, mostly brought about by the fact that I used to feed him to sleep, but that no longer works. We follow the same routine, he feeds, he stays awake. We use music and cuddling instead, which works after a while.

I'm hoping he'll sleep a little longer before waking tonight!

I'm only aiming for a six hour stretch of sleep also - he's too young to go twelve hours without milk!