The Limited Crying Solution (The Baby Sleep Solution)

I'm really excited to talk about this method. I really like it as far as Cry It Out (CIO) methods go, especially for young babies. Well, The Baby Sleep Solution doesn't really call it a CIO method but
I would, just one that is a bit gentler than most.

Author Giordano of The Baby Sleep Solution uses this method because...

1. It is a "realistic middle ground between the 'cry it out' method, which many parents cannot stomach, and the 'no cry method', which is unrealistic for many babies" (i.e. older ones who often protest regardless of the method) (p 8). She says that it may take longer than some other CIO methods due to the frequent checks on baby, but that she gets 100% success with this and that it is emotionally a lot easier for many parents and children than other CIO methods.
2. She "doesn't believe there is a lot of learning going on after five minutes of steady, continuous crying." (p 20).

How to do implement the Limited Crying Solution

Although Giordano uses this method with her other sleep and feeding techniques, you don't need to. You can keep your sleep groundwork the same but use this method instead of other CIO or No- CIO methods. You can start using this once your baby meets her weight/age/food requirements (I'll get to that in the next week). She suggests it until 18 months of age. Her mantra with this is "I cannot fix it for you, but I will go through it with you by your side." A common tip she gives during this approach is "you are coaching your child to self-soothe at night so you should not do too much for him in this step. He is ready to soothe himself if you let him" (p 107).

• Do your pre-sleep routine and put baby in his crib awake. Say good night, love you etc then leave the room shutting the door behind you.
• If baby doesn't cry-- Woohoo! All done! But likely you'll need to move on to the next step.
• Baby starts to cry. Start the clock once he is crying continuously and is doing more than just a little whine. Stop the clock when he stops crying, even if it is just for a little bit. Restart the clock all over again when the crying starts again.
• Check on your baby after 3-5 minutes of continuous crying (5 minutes is the max time regardless of age). Go in sooner if you feel you need to (i.e. baby's cries are extremely escalated).
• During this check you will intervene and reassure your baby. Offer a pacifier, offer a soft touch, offer a lovey, sing, shush-pat,  change baby's position, etc. If you speak, keep it at a whisper and avoid having a conversation with baby. Avoid eye contact or any sort of playing with baby.
• Once baby is calm, leave the room. Do not return for another 3-5 minutes following constant crying. Repeat as necessary.
• Leave baby in his bed until the approximate set morning wake time (This is for when baby is sleeping around 12 hours at night, you'll need to adjust for your child's habits and abilities) treating any awakening before this time like you did the previous ones. Baby does not get out of bed in the morning until he is happy.
• If your child is over 9 months, when you go in to calm, you may need to calm until there is  calmer crying, but still crying, then leave and repeat as needed.
• If your child starts to cry as you leave the room, whether or not this is right when you put him down or in the middle of the night, make sure to continue walking all the way out of the room and don't check again until 3-5 minutes (or less time if that is what you are doing).
• If you've been using a pacifier and the wakings are not starting to decrease after around a month, then you may need to wean from the pacifier and try to use other methods to comfort your child when you visit.

If you've had experience with this method, please share!