|
We've been home 2 weeks, and now Marissa sleeps 9-11 hours each night. (she is 9.5 months old) Last week I posted about her screaming for 3 hours straight---not crying, but screaming. I then talked to the pediatrician and the International Adoption pediatrician. They both agreed that she should be in the crib. Marissa only screamed that one night---over the course of the two weeks, her crying has diminished from 15 minutes to sometime none! We have a nighttime routine----bath, a dimly lit room with books, a gum massage (she is teething), a bottle and bed. The drs. said she should go to bed awake---so she learns to put herself asleep---there are nights I rock her, but other nights she cries for a few minutes and settles herself down. A consistent routine without giving any attention (no talking or playing) is recommended. Also, we were told to have both, mommy and daddy do the bedtime routine so she gets used to both of us doing it. Naptime is more tears, but most times less than 5 minutes of crying---we get 2 good naps a day. The rest of the time is a lot of tummy time and play----building up the gross motor skills that are delayed due to no floor time in Guat. Having your child cry it out is difficult, but honestly, after the one night of 3 hours, it got MUCH better! We are able to get a good night's rest and enjoy her more during the day! We play a cd with instrumental lullabies that also help. Whatever you choose, it has to be right for you. Just be consistent and know it will get better. Good luck!
|