I have taken quite a relaxed attitude to DS's routine, initially BF-ing whenever he was hungry, napping when he was tired, etc and it worked well for us, up until now. He used to self settle after a bedtime bottle of milk, often falling asleep whilst feeding. Due to a big disruption in our lives (moving to NZ) DS has started only going to sleep on either DH or myself. Added to that previously I was lucky in that he very rarely woke during the night. However that started during the move and for the first time we began to bring him into our bed so that we'd get some sleep.
Unfortunately now he will only go to sleep on DH or I and bedtimes can take up to 2 hours. Added to that he wakes almost every night and comes into our bed.
I know that we have let him get into bad habits because of the move and disruption. After trying everything for 8 weeks, I now feel that a routine would make him more settled and secure, not less.
As such tonight I tried CC for the first time and he has gone to sleep now after a very tough 30 mins. However I'm not sure how to repeat this so as to be consistent.
(a) Should I use CC for his daytime nap as well or just worry about night times?
(b) If he falls asleep during his pre bed bottle feed will that be inconsistent with the CC and confuse him?
NB: I am planning to use the CC again tonight if (when!!!) he wakes in the small hours.
I'm sorry for the long post and I'm not sure I've explained it very well, but would be grateful for any advise. (Preferably not of the "CC is barbaric" type, I understand everyone has different opinions on this issue, but I am confident that this is the right thing to do for my little one right now). Many thanks.