Sleep training... How long does it take?

[Aw12345]

We are sleep training my LO to sleep in his cot (was very ill with bronchiolitis so we had to sleep him in pram tilted up so that he could breathe and unfortunately we've never managed to get him to sleep out the pram ever since... Always needs rocking to sleep.😊

He is now 12 months, completely healthy again but too big for the pram and hates being strapped in because he can't roll over etc.

We are doing full bedtime routine that we have always done then milk then in his cot. Every time he stands up and holds on to the edge/chatting/playing in general we lay him back down and say sleep time. Eventually he gives up and sleeps.

We're on day 2... Day 1 it took 2.5 hours, day 2 it had taken 2 hours to get him to sleep.

My question is this... How long should we expect this to last? Obviously we know it takes longer than 2 days but Amy experience very welcome!!

We don't like the idea of leaving him to cry it out ☹️

Hi @Aw12345, just giving this thread a bump for you - hopefully there'll be some Mumsnetters along shortly with some advice and support.

I hope it has worked now.

We sleep trained DD at 12 months. I fed her from both sides then put her down. She would be awake. We did controlled crying and went in every 5 minutes to lie her down and tell her we loved her. If it took 30 minutes I would have gone back in to settle her by feeding.

I think this is how it worked. First night we (DH) went in to settle her 5 times. Cried for a couple more minutes then slept. Second time he went in a few times. Third time once and then fourth night no times.

I know controlled crying is very unpopular on here but we had to do something as I was really suffering with my second pregnancy and we both work full time. DD has been an amazing sleeper ever since. Only major hiccups have been when we’ve been on holiday.

Thanks so much for your reply, gives me hope that ultimately we are doing the right thing.

Totally agree that everyone has got to do what works for them without judgement from anyone else. I'm very impressed that you were pregnant that soon 🙂 I would love another lo but not brave enough to face the pregnancy with a 1 year old.

I feel you - it is hard. I really really really recommend Little Z Sleep E Coaching. She is American but it is like a hand hold the whole way through and is about $60 usd so much cheaper than a sleep consultant. You should be seeing improvements by night 3. She had a podcast, so even if you don't go for the e coaching I recommend that for extra info!