Ok. A few weeks ago I started gradual retreat but am still next to the crib with my arm rough the rails touching my lo. In the past I tried gradual CIO. Didn't work. This morning I read an old thread (see below) and want to try it but have a question. With #4, should I still ignore him when he cries? Thank you for any and all help. I'm exhausted physically and emotionally :(
- I have done all these steps for four nights each (minimum).
Cuddled him to sleep in my arms.
Cuddled him in the cot,(our cot side comes down completely but some get in the cot with baby)
Arms through the cot
No arms through the cot but he could still touch me
Further away
Near the door.
- No eye contact after I say goodnight.
- No speaking/singing at all.
- No response to anything he does to get my attention. Even if he throws his dummy or soothing blanket out of the cot. It stays where it fell.
- No response if he gets up, which he does for most of the time. No interaction at all.
- Keep as still and as quiet as possible myself, so he isn't used to noise in the room.
I think that point 4 has been the most difficult, knowing that if he has his dummy or blanket he would be off to sleep quicker, but it helps him realise that there is no interaction after 'goodnight'.
Point 5 is just tedious. But he needs to learn to get down and sleep himself, and he is much better 3 weeks on.