Have you heard of this book? I think every new mom should read it. I am a devoted fan. I credit Baby Wise with molding Addyson into a happy, content child who is a great sleeper. Baby Wise teaches you how to put your baby on a schedule (both feeding and sleeping), beginning at about 2 weeks old. You follow a three hour pattern: feeding, awake time, nap until next feeding. This schedule is repeated over and over throughout the whole day. Baby Wise promises that if you follow this schedule religiously, your child will be sleeping through the night by 8 weeks old. (Addy was doing this at 9 weeks.) Gradually, you lengthen the time between feedings and naps. I truly believe that you train your child to sleep. Ever since Addy was a few weeks old, I put her in her bed for bedtime or naptime wide awake. There was no rocking or nursing to sleep. She had to learn to fall asleep on her own. Now, when it is bedtime, I place her in her crib and leave the room. She doesn't make a peep, and I don't hear from her for about 12 hours.
I realize that this book is controversial. Some people argue that it is cruel to feed your baby according to a schedule, instead of on demand. I disagree. I think you are actually creating a happier baby who knows what to expect from his/her daily routine. Her sleeping and eating times are consistent, and the baby knows that to expect. Also, the baby is happier when regular sleep patterns are established. The mood and temperment of the baby (and the mother!) is better when he/she has had a full, uninterrupted night's sleep, instead of waking up several times during the night.
Obviously, each mom has to choose what is right for her and her baby. But, I'm telling you, YOUR LIFE WILL BE EASIER if you follow the patterns set in this book. I just don't understand it when people with kids who are six months, twelve months or eighteen months old tell me they still aren't sleeping through the night. It doesn't have to be that hard.
Yes, it is difficult to stick to the schedule at the beginning. It's hard to keep newborns awake. It interferes with going out. You are a slave to the cycle. But it's worth it. I was so anal about following the schedule that when my in-laws came to see Addyson for the first time (she was about four weeks old), I wouldn't let them see her until the next day because she was already in bed. Call me crazy. But at least I'm a well rested crazy.
I realize that my experience as a mom is a drop in the bucket compared to many of you. But this worked so well for me I had to share. So, to all of my pregnant friends, consider reading this book. You'll thank me later.
12 on the 12th--January 2020 Edition
6 years ago
6 comments:
Is it okay to disagree? Anyways I tried reading the book and it didn't work for me. I didn't follow a strict routine and both my children started sleeping through the night before 8 weeks.
I guess my point is that what works for some may not work for others so don't give up hope. Glean what you can from any of the books you read.
Annie, it's fine to disagree. Like I said, you have to do what works for you. For me, this was a life saver!
I thought Babywise had some good tips--like the whole order of sleep, eat, play. It taught me the basics. I am not structured enough to use it as my routine, though. (Or to have a strict routine at all.) With Charlie I had a really hard time letting him cry it out--and he was able to cry and cry and cry without falling asleep. Max has been much better at falling asleep with minimal cry-age. So I think each kid is different, and each mom is different . . . and I am impressed that Addy is such a good sleeper!
You know I'm a fan of babywise. However, I'm with Ashley in taking the basic ideas from it. I was really "nazi" about it with Trey and in some ways it came back to bite me. with Brook & Tay I was more relaxed and it still worked. If only I could figure out the whole happy baby thing...Tay is soooo cranky even after 12 hours of sleep!
I read that book with Ava and it totally helped! My favorite baby book is "The Best Baby on the Block" My kids and I would not have survived without the swaddling technique that it teaches!
Yes, I agree that every new mom should read this book and take what is of value for their baby and toss the rest because it depends on the personality of the child. Ethan's just an incredible baby and I didn't have to follow it so strictly, I definitely couldn't let him "cry it out"... (I'm way too weak) and despite it, he sleeps through the night and has been since he was 3 months old. You're an incredible mom Nikole!
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