Problem - Baby or Toddler Will Not Go to Sleep Alone

By Sherry Carroll

My first born was not an easy baby or toddler. As an infant, he had to be sound to sleep before being placed in his cradle or crib. As he grew older, his sleep habits did not improve. He would cry unless he was asleep when placed in his crib unless he was completely asleep.

We tried everything. We would ride him around in the car. He would sleep while the car was moving, but the minute it came to a standstill, he was wide awake. We bought a cradle that had an automatic rocker. As long as it was in motion, he would sleep. Again, once it stopped its rocking motion, he was wide awake. We found that rocking him to sleep in a dark room was usually the best method, especially if he woke up at night. He was not interested in a bottle; he simply wanted someone to rock him to sleep while he sucked on his ever present pacifier.

We were advised to "let him cry." We were also told to go into the room periodically to reassure him, but to not pick him up. After several days involving an hour or more of crying, my husband and I gave up. It was just too painful for the three of us.

My husband and I talked it over. We decided that we would stay in the room with him until he fell asleep. We agreed to leave him in the crib and to not pick him up. We would avoid talking to or making eye contact with him.

In the beginning, one of us would lay down on the regular bed that was also located in his room. At first, he was suspicious. My son would pop his head up at frequent intervals to make sure that we were still there. We would continue to lie motionless on the bed. Finally, he would settle down and fall asleep. Even when he went to stay with his grandparents, the same ritual was carried out.

This continued for a while. Eventually, we would sit on the bed until he fell asleep. Then, we would sit in the doorway where he could see us. Finally, we were able to tell him that we would be in the next room if he needed us. We have tiptoed and even crawled out of his room many a night so we would not wake him!

Not long ago, one of the Nanny shows on television indicated that this was the best way to handle a child who did not like to go to sleep alone. My husband and I were quite proud that we had figured it out on our own.

I know this: If it worked with my son, it will work with your child!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Carroll has been an educator for twenty-two years. She has worked with regular and gifted education classrooms in grades 3-8, served as a SC Teacher Specialist with the SC State Dept of Education, and been a Curriculum Coordinator at an elementary school. She has received numerous awards and recognitions that include Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Work in the Area of Gifted Education.

Contact her at http://scberrysblog.blogspot.com

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