Calling all CIO Moms

I know everyone has different opinions regarding the age for CIO but ds is 4 months old and is still waking up 2x a night and then at 5am for good. I am working and I am going to end up getting fired because I keep messing up. I got in trouble the other day and being tired is just not good enough anymore. Also I am also always sick and a walking zombie. I actually started to see things in the road while driving and they were not there.

1- Do you think 4 months is to young?

2- I am going to start Wednesday night. How do I do this?

p.s. I have tried 3 other books and methods and nothing else has worked. I am at my wits end.

Any and all help appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

Can your husband alternate nights with you getting up with the baby so at least every other night each of you gets a good night's sleep?

Personally, I wouldn't do CIO at 4 months but others may be able to help you with their methods at 4 months.

Sorry and

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

First of all... Hang in there!

I will tell you that for us, we did not start CIO until DS was between 6-7 months. The book we used recommended not starting until at least 6 months, so I personally would not do it at 4 months.

But that does not mean that there aren't other moms out there who have tried it at 4 months and been successful. I hope you find something that works for you and that you get some sleep!

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

I also think that 4 mo is a lil too young for that too! When is the last feeding of the night? are you feeding when he gets up those two times in the middle of the night!?!? Bec if he is fed during the first md-night wake up maybe he wont wake up the second time bec his little belly will be full

My DS is 9 months and just started sleeping through the night about a month ago (MY DS slept through the night at around 3-4 mo)

I have learned after my 2nd that every baby and their needs are different and come when they are ready.

Good luck!

HTH

Message edited 10/20/2009 3:47:18 PM.

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

i personally would not do it at 4 months. believe me, i wanted to - DS was up several times a night for an entire month until we did CIO at 5 months! i was just not comfortable doing it before then.

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

we slowly started at 4 months... not really cio as much as pushing off how quickly we responded.. basically if he cried at night i would go to the bath room or get a drink then go is... so i was basically waiting 5 then 10 then 15 minutes to go in... by the time he was 5 months old he was really only screaming when he truly needed me

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

I can't say if it's right or wrong - DS is 16 months and we're still struggling with CIO but first ... second,
is your DC getting enough during the day? I've recently heard a lot of moms saying that they got their DC to sleep through the night by making sure they ate more frequently during the day.
At 3-4 months is when my ped suggested giving the paci (which DS didn't take) or trying to get DC to go back to sleep without a feeding. Have you tried that?


Good luck - hope it gets better!

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

personally 4 months is a little too young... have your tried to put your DC down to sleep in the swing at night?

this helped my DS a lot... also did you try elevating the mattress?

do you still swaddle? what time is his last feeding?

have you tried a dream feed, where you stick a bottle in his mouth while he is still sleeping... and the natural instinct is to suck.

my DSs dream feed was at 11pm for about 2 months we did that

we had to do this when we moved DS from the swing to his bed

Re: Calling all CIO Moms

I am sorry you're so tired and I know this isn't what you want to hear but being exhausted is par for the course with parenting. Honestly, it stinks and I feel for you but CIO with a 4 month old IMO is just cruel. They are too young to be able to self soothe themselves and allowing your DC to CIO at this age is going to do nothing expect upset your child and make the nights even worse. Time will make it better and until your DC is able to STTN unfortunately you are going to have to hang in there. Maybe try doing shifts with your DH so you each get a stretch of sleep at night. I hope it gets better for you soon. Hang in there.