Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Thanks for finding that, Michael! I'm not sure how much value it is for me though, as I believe there are a lot of developmental differences between a 7 week old and a 14 week old. What actually prompted me to post here were posts about 12 week olds in day care, and I thought to myself, surely these daycare providers are not going through this rigamarole to put those infants to sleep.. And if they can do it, so can we! I'm just not sure how to start making a chance if letting her cry isn't appropriate yet, or if letting her cry would be OK?
I think it is a common misconception that babies aren't supposed to cry. It's really their only form of communication. You can allow her to let her feelings out about taking her soothers away while still being respectful and present. You do not need to completely ignore her cries for her to learn how to sleep on her own. Understanding her feelings and giving her a chance to let them out while periodically assuring her that you are there and understand why she is upset will help her cope.
I encourage you to check out Janet Lansbury's blog online. She has lots of advice on respectful sleep learning. I think she would be right up your alley. I follow a lot of her and Magda Gerber's advice with my own parenting and with my daycare and it has made a world of difference in understanding why babies and children cry and how to help them deal with their big emotions. Best of luck to you!