How long would you let baby cry?

[chloechloe]

I am a breastfeeding, cosleeping mama...no CIO here but tonight I am having a group of women over and REALLY need dd to have a nap (she still naps every afternoon). Well I tried for 45 minutes to put her to sleep....still awake. I let her cry for 15 minutes. Tried to put her to sleep for 20 minutes. Still awake. So she is currently crying in her room. I feel AWFUL. BUT I AM SO FRUSTRATED I DON'T know what to do.......She has to be out of the house with her daddy until 9pm, so I would really like it if she had some sort of nap so she isn't miserable all night and in front of all my guests. PLUS I am 7 months pregnant and could really use a nap before the guests arrive. I feel like crying....I just need a break after cooking and cleaning ALL DAY. (She helped!). PLEASE HELP!

[scout]

For me, my answer depends on how old the baby is!

Since you're 7 months pregnant, I'm guessing that she is older...maybe toddler age? If this is the case, and you've never done any sort of CIO before, I'd recommend letting her cry for a full minute, and then go in and console her. Pat her back, sing to her, and then leave. Then, wait a minute and a half. Go in, console her, pat her back, etc. Then, leave for two minutes. Etc, etc, etc. I would only do this for an older baby, which is sounds like your baby is. You sound really stressed out, and it sounds like you need a break, so I would definitely take one. I know it's hard to be a mama when you're exhausted, stressed, need your baby to sleep, and she isn't cooperating! Sometimes, when my toddler is being this way, and I've tried everything to get him to sleep, I just let him play for a little while more, and then try to put him back again.

[GlamaGal]

Sounds like your party is probably over or almost. BUT, in case you need help next time...

I had a super colicky baby. The girl screamed very loud from the get go. We let her cry it out at 4 1/2 mos (we tried slightly after 3 mos.). It was cold turkey at 4 1/2 mos. because we were desperate.

Try giving a healthy snack and some juice, water, or milk. When babies are full and clean diaper they're more likely to nap. I'm not sure how old she is, but whole grain crackers, sliced bananas, and some organic cheese are a sure thing for DD, and quick preparation! Try the 5, 10, 15 minute, etc. cry it out methods after the treats/diaper change. The important thing is don't engage in talk and don't pick her up. She'll get the hint that when she cries you're not coming in to pick her up or entertain her.

Does she like Baby Einstein videos so you could get a break for ~30 minutes (longer if you can replay it for a little while)? These videos are amazing. This worked for our DD after 3 mos. and I could put her in a swing. Now I only use TV on the occasions where I need her to be out of the way of a hot oven or during some other dinner preparations where I can watch her from the kitchen. I keep her in our great room with a baby gate, books, toys, and the video.

Are you plannning on tandem nursing or a family bed? If not, it may be a good time to get her to nap and eventually sleep on her own. I would suggest trying to get her to nap in her crib. This way she'll correlate naps on her own and nighttime with you.

You may want to invest in an Ergo baby carrier (www.ergobabycarrier.com) so she can be on your back while you prepare, sweep, put on makeup, etc. My friend loves it and uses it while in her 3rd trimester with her 2 yr. old DD. I want to get one (I have a Hotsling currently) and I'm sure my DD will fall asleep in it!

Good luck! This too shall pass.:D