Well i’m not sorry actually because only if you’ve experienced the real meaning of ‘going crazy’ will you understand my obsession. It’s a healthy one and it ensures my child sleeps, gets his rest, recharges his batteries, relaxes his busy brain and basically just chills! this means that i am one of those mothers who uses a prop to help my baby sleep. after reading a truckload of books on the matter, all of which specifically point out the importance of falling asleep without aid, i beg to differ.
yes, i agree that one should learn how to fall asleep – i say learn because sleep is something you learn how to do. it is not programmed into us like thirst or hunger- but what exactly is wrong with props? by this, the books are referring to swings, rocking, singing, nursing, holding, and the all-time bad boy, the car!
even though georgie has now mastered the art of falling asleep both at nap time and bedtime, he only does this in an environment he is familiar with and/or dark and quiet. If it’s nap time and we are out and about, even if it is at a friend or relative’s house, I will put him in his carseat and drive around until he has fallen asleep. I then park and wait for him to wake up. This usually happens after 30 to 40 minutes. After that my baby is happy, playful and relaxed. So what if I used the car?
You’re teaching him bad habits, some say to me. I say, if my baby doesn’t get time to do just chill, no one chills! lugging a tired baby around is the equivalent of having to go to the loo. You’re hurrying, walking in a bizarre fashion and do everything halfway. No benefits reaped I tell you.
I have picked and gathered all the information necessary to raise a child but I chose what to apply and when. i go with my baby’s flow, not an author’s or my aunt’s. my baby can sleep through the night -for 12 hours straight- then nap for another one hour and then display such a brilliant array of new words, sounds, movements and cuteness i couldn’t care less where he sleeps!
