We (or should I say 'I') did it with Caitlin when she was about 6 - 7 months - it took five nights which were not the best, but it worked in the long term. I wasn't going to be one of those mums getting up to their babies when they were 1-2-3 years old. I did pick her up, though, to comfort her - I couldn't do the pat thing properly. This was also the time she went on to formula for her last feed which made me feel better about making sure she was full.

I would recommend finding a place in your house or yard where you can't hear them crying for the minutes you leave them.

Didn't have to do anything with Alex - he's been a super sleeper since birth ! I just wish no wthe lazy tacker would start walking !