Hi, i started trying this a couple of days ago. I find it easier not to clock watch. In between leaving and going in i do a small bit of housework to keep me busy (cleaning up after the bath stuff and play stuff, fold a small pile of washing, wash up afew bit etc). I find it easier than sitting waiting for her to stop crying (or not). Tina

Hi I must admit I have never used a dummy for my babies but I bought some just in case when I had my 4th baby I was worried I couldnt cope with crying while dealing with the others. I told my health visitor about it & she said once you have used the dummy you shouldnt wean them off it till they are 12months so maybe you should check with your health visitor.I have the problem of thumb sucking! Good luck whatever you feel is right at the end of the day they are just guide lines its what suits you & your baby & anyone elses opinion dont count so dont get pushed into things you are not weak. Stephx

I know people say that you should get rid of the dummy but if it gives them some sort of comfort then its not doing any harm. Dont worry about starting at 1 min it will gradually increase and then you notice that he will fall asleep on his own, owen did well last night, he fell asleep in his own at half 8 and only woke at 4 then a 10 min scream but just left him to it and he slept till half six and woke up in such a good mood it was great i got all smiles kisses and cuddles so they do still love you in the morning x

Hi Barbara, Thanks for your reply. Well - I cheated at first, because he fell asleep during his bedtime bottle so he was asleep when I put him down! So that bit was easy!! But then he woke up. I decided to leave him for 1 minute, then add on a minute each time (too weak to do much more!)... by the time he got to 4 minutes, he had screamed and choked so much that he'd made himself sick (he has fairly bad reflux...). So I sort of gave in a bit then. I decided to still do the controlled crying but to give him the dummy back when I went in. At least that way I know he's getting a bit of comfort! It was just too much to go cold turkey on the dummy and do the controlled crying at the same time! Maybe I'm being a bit weak... friends of mine have said that you have to get rid of the dummy at some point so do it NOW... just think he wouldn't understand and feel a bit confused without his comforter... he's only 5 months...
Anyway, the following night he slept from 6.30 till 6.30! Amazing! Doubt it will ever happen again though!!
Becky x

Hi how did it go last night??? i know its hard as were doing the same thing with our little one at the moment. I tend to leave him for 5 mins stretches and with in about 40-60 mins he is out of it, when they cry so much they tire themselves out and fall asleep. I know it feels cruel but its better for you and your little one. I have a v shaped pillow that he hugs while hes asleep and keeps him feeling safe. Try not to pick him up out of his cot just lie him back down stroke his head and say shush shush, rub his tummy and play music if possible. Just give it time and he will get into a routine.

Hi, My baby is 5 and a half months. I'm going to try controlled crying tonight for the first time!! I'm so scared! (Ridiculous, I know!) Am really going to try not to give in and give him the dummy... am so fed up with getting up 20 times a night to re-plug him! Any advice from anyone? What do I do if he gets himself in a TOTAL state? - It has been known - he can scream so much he almost chokes! How long do I keep it up without it just being cruel? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Becky