Tried the “crying it out” method and it’s just not working? Maybe, like a lot of parents you just can't put yourself to leaving your baby to cry themselves to sleep. That is completely okay because that method will only work if you know you can dedicate yourself to it and it’s not the only sleep technique out there to try. There is also the “no tears method.” But don’t be fooled by the name because as much as you would want to believe there are no tears involved, they are inevitable when changing your baby’s sleep routine. Even the experts will tell you this.

The theory behind the “no tears method” is that leaving your baby to cry it out is unnatural and it breaks the trust that you have worked to establish with your baby. Instead of letting your little one cry it out, you pick up your child and sooth them any way you see fit. When you lay them down and they begin to cry, you are to comfort them immediately. That means if they need to be rocked, you rock them. If they desire to be nursed, you nurse them. You do whatever it takes to sooth them and calm them. When they are calm, then you lay them back down.

The only thing this technique shares with the “crying it out” method is routine and consistency. It is advised that with this method you do instill a bedtime routine so the child knows what to expect and develops an understanding of what bedtime is all about. This method can also take longer to work than the “crying it out” method and may also require more patience on your part since you cannot walk away. Expect to pick your child up repeatedly and plan for a long night ahead. This technique does work but again, you have to be dedicated and consistent.

There is no right or wrong way to help your children learn to sleep on their own or sleep through the night. It completely depends on you as a parent and your child. Your baby just may not be emotionally ready to be left in their bed to sleep alone and if you and your partner are both content co-sleeping, then by all means, keep doing so. I would love to continue co-sleeping with my son but since he comfort nurses to the point of me not getting any sleep during the night, it’s just not reasonable for me to do anymore.

For more information on the “no tears method” there are several sites that you can check out from professionals that endorse it. On their sites you can also find where you can pick up their books on the sleep technique which may also be helpful.

• Pediatrician William Sears and family: The Baby Sleep Book http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070100.asp
• Parent Educator Elizabeth Pantley: The No-Cry Sleep Solution http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/
• Registered Nurse Tracy Hogg: Secrets of the Baby Whisperer http://www.babywhisperer.com/babywhisperer.html