Sleeping Easy

Starting on Sunday, Sue and I (yes, Dad is writing a blog entry) started sleep training Cruz. We're using a modified C.I.O. method as described by the book, The Sleepeasy Solution.

For those unfamiliar with the vernacular, C.I.O. stands for "Cry It Out." Also known as "Ferberizing" after Dr. Richard Ferber who popularized the technique. Essentially you have to allow your child to learn how to self-soothe himself asleep, as opposed to relying on crutches such as rocking, sucking on a pacifier or feeding. What self-soothing usually entails the first night is crying. A whole lot of crying.

Sue and I were entering this with a little bit of trepidation, particularly because we were still concerned that Cruz was itchy from his eczema (see the prior post). We weren't sure if he was being kept awake at night because of that. But we decided to go ahead anyway. The Sleepeasy Solution asks you to create and stick to a strict sleep routine. The routine will act as his cues to get ready to sleep. Then once you put him to bed, that's it. During the training process if he starts to cry you can go in at increasing time intervals and speak reassuringly to him, but not touch him.

Cruz has made it through like a champ! The first night was a little rough because he spent just under 30 minutes crying. We're talking full-on gasping for air, howling type of crying. And we're also weaning him from his nighttime feeds too, to make things even rougher. But ever since then he has fallen asleep with little fanfare and for the most part stayed asleep despite our night wean. Tonight will actually be the first night when he'll go to bed and not get fed at all until the next morning. Wish him luck!