The Ferber Method - Step One

I’m going to try the Ferber Method, aka Cry It Out, starting tonight. Deep breath. I fed the baby, swaddled him in his velcro swaddler, made sure he had a dry diaper, and laid him down in his crib with his pacifier. With a kiss good-night, and a cheerful, “Sleep tight, honey,” I closed the door to the nursery.

Oh, boy did he scream.

Baby: What the heck are you doing? You’re supposed to let me fall asleep in your arms! Don’t you know that I need to hear your heartbeat to sleep? You rock my world, Mom, what are you THINKING?

Me: Night, sweetie. No need to cry.

Baby: Of course I have to cry! How can you leave me like this? I neeeeeed you!

5 minutes later after fussing and sobbing…

Me: It’s okay. You’re fine. Here’s your pacifier. Good night, honey. (Baby stops crying as soon as he hears my voice)

Baby: You left me. For five whole minutes. How COULD you? Clearly, I am starving. You must not love me very much. Third child….bah!

Ten minutes later…

Me: You’re fine. No need to cry so hard. Really, you’re okay (rub baby’s head. He stops crying instantly). Go to sleep.

Baby: Don’t you know how terrible it is to be left alone like this? I’m scared. This crib is too big. You’re supposed to nurse me and love me and make it all better. Why won’t you pick me up?

Me: We’ll get through this.

Baby: Ha. You just wait. I can do this all night…

(To be continued)…