Just when you think it's improving

[Squeakybubbles26]

Hey,
I've posted a few times in the sleeping topic but am at yet at a loss end!😩
We had to sleep train DD2 to self settle again after she developed a cold which had worked well .. going to bed/naps that is!
But we still have disturbed nights - some better than others like yesterday slept til 4 then resettled til 4.45 (this still isn't great but it's good for her)!
Now tonight she woke at 1.45 and not wanting to leave her upset gave her a cuddle and now she's asleep on me. Created a bad habit I know..
Basically at a loose end any advice appreciated!!

You don't say how old baby is so it's very difficult to suggest anything. What would be advisable for a 6 week old would be very different advice for a 9 month old and different again for a 2 year old.

I've just looked through search and see your baby is 6 months and that you've recently done controlled crying...

OK, so cuddling to sleep is not a problem. But it really is a problem if you are intending baby to sleep alone at other times. Consistency is key and it's important to recognise you can't pick and choose with CC. It's all or nothing (and that's why I'm not a fan).

In your situation I would stay and comfort baby to sleep, but would do the comforting in the cot. At 6 months I'd have a 3-sided cot (just remove one side off a normal cot) butted up to your bed. Then subtle close to baby to comfort to sleep.

Firm hand on chest/shoulder is good for reassurance. As is check to cheek touch. This allows baby to feel you close and feel/hear your breathing as a means to relax into sleep. Then as baby settles extract yourself to leave just your hand on chest until baby settles.

Progress this over time so that just your firm hand on chest is needed to settle baby into sleep (So side can go back onto cot) and slowly reduce how long your hand is needed for reassurance until just your presence not touch is needed. And slowly reduce your presence too.

This is a process called gradual withdrawal. Much gentler route towards independent sleep than controlled crying. But takes longer.