Terri and I are trying the "Babywise" strategy -- it's the latest "fad" book amongst parents.The idea is to help get your babies on a schedule. Basically, you put them down for a nap/sleep, etc., and let them cry. You do NOT pick them up right away, because -- according to the theory -- this just teaches them that if they cry, they get attention.
As a new, first-time father, I'm finding the reality is more difficult than the theory.
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For example, it's 1:00 P.M.
I just changed, fed, and burped Caroline.
According to "Babywise", you give her 15-20 minutes of "awake" time, and then when she starts to seem tired, you put her down for her nap.
Once she's down for her nap, you let her cry. You check her every 5-10 minutes to make sure she's okay, but you DO NOT PICK HER UP.
Terri out for a stroll around the block with the girls.
Katherine enjoying "awake time"*****************************************
Caroline has her 15 minutes play time with me, then starts to nod off.
I put her down in her crib.
She cries.
I let her cry for 5 minutes, then check on her. I put my hand on her chest, and that calms her down. I stay there for a minute or two, then leave.
She cries.
I let her cry another 5 minutes, then repeat the whole procedure.
This goes on about three times.
The third time, Caroline cries, then suddenly she stops.
SUCCESS!
The "Babywise" wise method works.
Except . . .
Afternoon nap on a hot day (Caroline stretched out)*****************************************
I tiptoe in to check on her. Sure enough, she has self-soothed herself, and is sleeping. Eyes closed, hands curled up around her face. Soon we will have a baby who goes down regularly for naps.
But wait a minute.
"Is she breathing?"
In a move known to all first-time parents, I start to panic.
I poke her. She doesn't move.
I poke her harder.
Caroline wakes up, looks at me with indignation, and cries. LOUD.
Back to square one, but it's all part of the fun (and panic) of being a new Dad.
Quit pokin' me! (Caroline)
The moral of the story: Let sleeping babies lie.(Caroline in her favoiete bed: the Boppy)
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Click on any photo for a larger view.
First time dad (with Katherine)
First time mom (with Katherine)
3 comments:
Hey. Go to Savage Stories and tell her to go to Aruba.
http://savagestories.blogspot.com/
Wouldn't you go if you could? I know I would! (I have 16-month-old twins and a 3-year-old.)
I coulnd't figure out why God would give babies the ability to communicate through crying, only for Babywise to tell us to ignore their crying when it was a scheduled naptime.
That's when I really researched it, learned more about it, and threw it in the garbage. I found things from Dr. Sears and "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" to be, not only reputable, but based on my baby's needs - instead of my own.
Gotta' tell you - once I chunked it, we were not sleeping through the night at 8 weeks ... but I've never regretted it!
Oh how many times have I poked, only to regret it--A LOT! Too funny. Your babies are precious!
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