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Expert Q&A

	By Adolph Brown Psychologist

Our 7-month-old daughter will not stay in her crib all night. She slept in a cradle until she really needed the crib. There were a couple of days between taking her out of the cradle and getting her into the crib that she slept with us. Then right after we got the crib, we went out of town and our hotel had run out of cribs, so again she slept with us. She will let us put her down in the crib for a few short hours but when she wakes up she refuses to go back to sleep in her crib. We have gotten her back to sleep and start to lay her down, and she just sits herself her up, reaching for us and crying. We would like our bed back and know that something should be done right away but we have no answers. Any suggestions?

You have asked an excellent question. As a father of six and one on the way, I will not only answer your question with my professional expertise, but also with my experience as a parent.

Have your young person become accustomed to repetitive routines. Establish the same routine every night (e.g., a bedtime story and two returns to reassure the young person that they have not been abandoned and that they are not in any danger). As a parent, check to make sure that all the child's immediate needs are met (i.e., fed, clean diaper – if pins are used with diapers ensure that none are pricking, and ensure wellness). This will aid your comfort level in establishing routine.

It is also important that you acknowledge where you are in the routine in the presence of your young person: "This is Mommy's/Daddy's second and final time coming to your room." Remember that studies show that young people who live in environments with clear limits, boundaries, structure and consistency have higher self-esteem and better tolerance for frustration."

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