Just needing reassurance that was doing the right thing... sorry a bit long

[Heaven]

Yikes, don't know about that 'expert'. His advice on solids is WAY WAY wrong.

I think you've answered your own question here. Before when you were following your instincts and doing what you thought was right you were coping and feeling like things were going well. When you changed things up and listened to this dude's advice you felt 'uptight and stressed'.

Always listen to yourself. You are his mummy, you know what's right. Trust your instincts, that's always the best way!

You might find some better advice in one of Pinky McKay's books or 'What every parent needs to know' by Margot Sunderland.

You're doing a great job.

[onthefly]

I think you already know the answer to this - and your son certainly does! IT's the golden rule - do what works.

I'm not familiar with this guy, but his advice sounds very suspect. He may claim to be an expert, but he's never met your son, so how on earth could he know what's better for him than you do?
Sleep and settling are not the be all and end all of parenting. If things are working well and you're all happy, then it's all good! Kids learn to sleep on their own when they are ready - sometimes it's very early, sometimes it's much later on, but it is never a reflection of your parenting ability and it is not something that needs to be 'fixed', only managed in whatever way works best for you.

Try to erase everything he said from your mind

[ladybird11]

I think you were going just fine to start with .

I agree with Marcellus - hit the erase button on everything he said and go back to doing what you and DS were doing best - sleeping and being chilled out!

[Marnikat]

If you aren't comfortable with it (which it sounds like you aren't) then it isn't right for you! What you were doing in the first place sounds like it was working just fine. My bub who is 5months on the 30th (sorry, lost track of weeks) started waking more often overnight recently. Apparently this is normal and can be a growth spurt. I just offer a feed and give her a cuddle and then put her back in bed. I generally bring her in with me for a couple of hours in the morning if she doesnt want to settle as easily then as well.

Your a great mum and just go with what works for you and your family!

[onthefly]

I just had a look at this guy's website....
Apparently contact with parents is a 'reward' and should be withheld overnight to ensure sensible sleeping patterns.
ok.

[human bean]

I just had a look at this guy's website....
Apparently contact with parents is a 'reward' and should be withheld overnight to ensure sensible sleeping patterns.
ok.

Wow. I'm a little speechless.......

Lewis' Mummy you're the expert on your little one, and I think it sounds like you were doing just fine before hearing this guy's 'advice'. My DD was in a really similar pattern at around 19 weeks, and she also started adding in an extra wake up at around 10pm. Then it all calmed down again. You are doing everything right so please disregard everything you heard and go with what was working for you guys.

[boomba]

Oh hun I just read this so called experts site and locking a child in their room is dangerous! ...not saying you did buit this advice frightens me

Please please trust YOUR instincts and do what YOUR heart tells you, not a person who has no emotional connection to your son. Can I gentle suggest reading any of the books by Pinky Mckay and Elziabeth Pantley. there is a whole load of info out there on the risks of letting a baby cry to sleep. If it is for you then do only if your comfortable...dont do something if your not

Go back to 24hours and do what you were doing, he will sleep eventual and you will be glad for trusting your instincts xxx

[MummaSue]

I just had a look at this guy's website....
Apparently contact with parents is a 'reward' and should be withheld overnight to ensure sensible sleeping patterns.
ok.

OMG, contact is a REWARD????? wow.

I agree with everyone else, you're doing a fabulous job and only you can know what is best for your boy xxxxx

[Fleur]

I just had a look at this guy's website....
Apparently contact with parents is a 'reward' and should be withheld overnight to ensure sensible sleeping patterns.
ok.

Oh boy...

Well as for him being as 'expert' ... you're the mummy so I figure YOU are the expert on what your little guy needs and what works for you both.

It's normal for babies sleep patterns to change, they might go from sleeping well, to not-so-well, back to well again & then change again.
Or they could do what all my kids did... start out so-so & get worse

Truly, I have had 4 'bad' sleepers. They do all sleep through eventually. 18 - 22 months seems to be the magic mark for us. It might not be what you want to hear right now (although your little boy might be complettely different, too) but really it's like the end stages of pregnancy - hard & seems endless at the time, but gone before you know it.
Trust your instincts hun

[Lewis's Mummy]

Thanks everyone! DS2 is currently sleeping soundly, wrapped snuggly as before, was very drowsy on the boob and is back in our room. We will get to moving him into his cot in his room (it doesn't fit in ours) over the next few weeks as there's barely any room left in the bassinette, but it will be on our terms! Fingers crossed both of us are more relaxed and happy again tomorrow - I knew I was right! Don't fix what aint broke