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29 years
How do I teach my 11 month old to sleep alone again? we went on vacation and got back and now he needs someone beside him to sleep.he wakes up several times crying expecting someone to be by his side
Jun 5, 2013
2nd opinion

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
You need to be firm &establish a consistent routine. Don't wait for your baby to fall asleep to put him in his crib- make sure that at least his eyes are open (i.e., he's alert &thus aware that you want him to sleep in HIS bed). Of course he may start crying &you'll find it difficult, but don't get discouraged, because it's tougher on you than it is on your baby. Don't think that ignoring your baby while he cries will do psychological harm, as long as you've been meeting his every need in other ways, this won't affect his sense of security. Check periodically (1st night every 5 min, then less &less) on your baby &reassure him that you're there. Your visits must be brief though. Don't do anything to arouse him, like turning on the light, removing him from the crib, or offering him a pacifier or a bottle. The 1st night will be tough; the following night things will get better as your baby now knows for a fact that crying won't get him what he wants. If he cries harder, lengthen your response time. If you're at any time inconsistent, your baby will cry harder and it won't work out.
It might take a few days for your baby to get into the routine, say 5 days.
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