Our version of CIO..

When Rylee was smaller we never did 'CIO'. In fact, I didn't really like the whole idea of it & couldn't imagine doing it.

As she got older it's harder to put her to sleep (mainly for naps.) I decided it was time to CIO (crying it out) and let her learn that she has to fall asleep on her own. It's hard when someone else watches her & she won't fall asleep for them. This has probably been the hardest part of parenting, so far.

I want to keep track of this so I know with #2 we need to teach her/him to fall asleep on their own early on & not wait until they get older. 

Day # 1

Nap time was okay. She cried for about 5 minutes. I jumped in the shower & by the time I was out she had stopped crying. Never went to sleep, but never started crying again. I finally got her out after 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Bed time was pretty successful. I'm sure she was exhausted from not napping today, but we put her in the crib after her milk & she cried for 30 seconds & by the time I turned the monitor on she was laying on her tummy passed out. 

I would say day #1 was pretty successful.

Day #2

Nap time wasn't so great today. She cried for the first 5-10 minutes. Then she started throwing everything out of her crib and started playing. She fussed on & off for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then, she started playing again for about 5 minutes. I look back over at the monitor & she's passed out laying on her back. Thank you jesus. So, overall it had taken 1 hour and 35 minutes before she went to sleep. She actually slept for 1.5 hours. I would say this was more successful than yesterday because at least she fell asleep!

Bed time was a success again! She cried for 30 or so seconds, scooted around a bit and fell right asleep! Score!!

Day #3
Nap time was a lot better today. She was put in her crib at 11:46 and she cried, played and fussed a little & fell asleep at 12:19! She woke up at 1 and started crying. =( I left her in there because I know that a 40 minute nap is not going to cut it all day. She fussed until 1:20 and fell back asleep. This is already getting easier & making both of our lives a lot better!

Bed time was a breeze ( and I think it will be this way! ) You laid down within 3 minutes and you were passed out!

Day #4

Nap time was a complete success. You cried for 1 minute, laid down & went right to sleep. Thank you sweet baby for making this easy on mama.

I stopped taking notes because this has REALLY worked for us & she is now settling down within a couple minutes & falling right asleep. This has definitely been the best decision ever!