Monday
Suggestions please!!
I am a nanny for a 2 1/2 year old and almost 3 month (13 pound) boys. C was a super easy baby. Slept in crib at 2.5 months. J is transferring from soft bassist like rocker to his crib which he absolutely refuses. We tried everything- rocking to sleep (put in) instant wake up, letting him cry for a few- pick me up now!! We want to try to transfer him to crib but don't want to take time away from 2.5 year old. HELP please!!
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I wouldn't rock baby to sleep or you'll form a habit that will be very hard to break. Do you have a sleep routine for baby? Maybe a rub down with lotion, dim lights and a lullaby? You could also try leaving him for (what I found worked with the twins I watched but they were a lot older during this transition) letting him cry it out for at least 7 minutes, then go in quietly and make a few gentle soothing noises, give a few rubs or pats on the back, sing the lullaby again and slowly walk out or sit near him just until he gets used to putting himself to sleep? But that is pretty young, we did it when the twins I worked with were about 9 months (preemies so they were very small), he may just need the bassinet for a few more weeks.
Also - if they don't use one white noise machines are a lifesaver - super soothing for baby and eventually they get sleepy when you turn the white noise on because they build that association.
I do all of above!! Rubs, massage time before bed with night time lotion, white noise machine, lullabies and leaving him to fall asleep on his own. He is not on a sleep schedule- just feeding on demand- parents say he is too young for that still��
Just drives me nuts
I would refer to a Pediatrician and start looking for another job.
I'm not for crying it out but in this case that might be the only solution. He knows if e cries you'll come running. crying because you're hurt or need something is one thing crying because you don't like your crib is another. Did he have a blanket or something maybe he likes the texture of that he used in the bassinet thing? Turn it into something safe for the crib.
Are you laying him in it for naps as well as for bedtime? (I assume so but wanted to make sure.) I often find its easier to implement changes to the nighttime routine at naptime instead.
Only other suggestion I have is to pull out the mattress from the crib and let him lay on it during playtime, tummy time, etc to familiarize him with it.
Taleia
Yes for naptime. Nanny is only one who is familiarizing him with it. I love the idea- although I don't think he will- lol He is not a huge fan of tummy time- but Ill try it. Thank so much.
One of the goals of transitioning an infant to sleeping in a crib is to help them establish self comfort habits. In this way, a child becomes more aware of becoming self sufficient and confident in both physical and emotional self care. It creates healthy psychological boundaries when reinforced consistently enough to become habit. It's the cornerstone of sleep training.
Newborns know only that others comfort them. Their only form of verbal communication is to cry so nonverbal cues are crucial to watch. Adults should remember this and respond accordingly. Anyone interested in cultivating healthy sleep habits for those in their care would do well to develop an arsenal of techniques to enable healthy habits.
Dr. Richard Ferber, author of 'Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems,' (and founding physician of a pediatric sleep clinic in a city I cannot recall right now!) said it best, paraphrasing here.. when teaching a child to sleep on their own, comfort often but pick up rarely.
Comforting the child with soothing sounds and physical touch creates a positive association for sleeping. It also makes a positive association with the person soothing them. This is a foundation laid for a lifetime.
And so many people think sleep is just laying down and closing your eyes. Hah!
The OP has the right idea, IMHO. Give the child clear communication and predictable actions relating to sleep. Respond to their messages of discomfort or distress. In turn, they will trust you are meeting their needs. Eventually.
This just my two cents. FWIW I may be 'only a nanny,' but I do have 30 years experience as a caregiver and certified clinical training in polysomnography (sleep studies).
https://themilkmeg.com/your-child-is-not-protesting-they-are-crying-the-language-sleep-trainers-use-and-the-damage-it-causes/
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