Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

I have been reading a great book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child' by Dr. Mark Weissbluth.  The pricipals are
a) early to bed = better sleep
b) sleep begets sleep - meaning lots of naps mean a better nightime sleep
c) stick to a routine for bedtime (bath, lotions, book/song, bottle, rocking for a limited time)

We have also been following some great advice we got "WHATEVER YOU THINK IS RIGHT" which is very reassuring to hear.

Since Kason was born, we have practiced not picking him up when he cries (not to eat) in his crib, and trying to put him down a few times while he is not fully asleep.  Kason has always been such a calm baby and didn't need too much attention when he was upset.  That might stem from the fact that we did not overly hold him since he was born... something which I often have second thoughts about now that he is so much bigger.  When I see moms of newborns, I often miss holding that cute 9 lb baby all curled up and sleeping on your chest.

nonetheless, it has paid off and Kason had been going to bed at 830, sleeping until 2 and eating at 2 and 5.  Then, last week he woke up at 4 but didn't want to eat - after my lovely husband got up and rocked him to sleep after about 15 mins of crying - Kason slept for another 3 hours.  We knew that he didn't need to eat twice a night.  so for the next week when he woke up we rocked him back to sleep.  3 nights ago when he woke up we decided not to rock him.  I went in after 7, 10 and 15 mins of crying and calmed him but did not take him out of the crib.  After an hour of crying (at 4:30 in the morning did I mention) he calmed himself to sleep, and slept until 630am.

Then the following night, he woke up for his 3am 'snack' then did not wake up again until 630am.

Last night... drumroll please... We put Kason down at about 810pm (earlier bedtime) - he had a good day of napping and he slept for 8 full hours!  He did wake up once or twice and calmed himself down and back to sleep - I didn't go in to his room.  After his 4am snack - he slept until 730am.

When he wakes up - happy, smiling, giggling!  Healthy sleep does mean a happy child!  And he doesn't hate me when I have to put him down and he cries! 

Quite a lot to learn as a new mom!  Still lots to go, I know.  Next challenge will be feeding solids and teething!