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Expert Q&A:
How can I get our 15-month-old to sleep in her crib instead of our bed?

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Loraine Stern
Answered by Loraine Stern M.D.
"I adore children and being a pediatrician because of all the hugging and laughing that we do," say Loraine Stern, M.D. 

Loraine Stern, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at U.C.L.A., has been in private pediatric practice for 35 years. Dr. Stern wrote for Woman's Day magazine from 1986 to 2005. She is a former editor of and contributor to Healthy Kids magazine. She has published two books on child care and has edited a book about pediatric nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics. A spokesperson for children and families, Dr. Stern has appeared on national networks and programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.

Dr. Stern has two stepchildren but no animals or even green plants.


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Question


How can I get our 15-month-old to sleep in her crib instead of our bed?

Answer


You are not alone. This is one of the most common problems pediatricians help parents cope with. Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with allowing your child to sleep with you. In fact, there is a school of thought that advocates a "family bed" and considers nighttime parenting as important as daytime parenting. I don't subscribe completely to this point of view, but I don't challenge any parents who choose to do this.

Her presence is interfering with restful sleep, however, so it's time to do something. Since she awakens at the same time every night, you can try a technique called scheduled awakening. Wake her 10 or 15 minutes earlier than her usual time and move the time back by 10 or 15 minutes every night. In a couple of weeks, you can eliminate this habit.

Well-meaning friends may tell you to let her "cry it out," but most pediatricians see that as cruel and the last possible resort after you have tried all other techniques.

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Member comments
How can I get my 19-month-old niece off a bottle and to sleep through the night?
give her a little time, it sounds like shes been through. Once she knows she's safe and in a stable ..

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