by jadie_f » Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:31 pm
Dont let her cry herself to sleep, if shes crying there is a reason. Let her fall asleep in your arms, every night if you have to until she doesnt need to anymore. I know how hard it can be, my DD was super colicky and could only sleep in my arms, but as long as she knows you are there, she will eventually get secure and comfortable enough to fall asleep on her own. When newborns cry, they need something, dont ignore that. You wont spoil her, you wont set her up for a lifetime of needing you to fall asleep. Even if you have done everything you can, you can always just hold her, talk to her and love her. IMO, the more responsive you are to her and the more you hold her now, the faster she will develop her own patterns. Remember, she doesnt just want to be held, she NEEDS to be held. IMO, newborns shouldnt be left alone, even to sleep. They need you too much in the first few months, the closer you are to them, the better it will be for both of you in the long run. GL