There are several methods that deal with sleep problems in children. Of course, how well these methods work will depend on how consistent parents are in applying them. Also, not all children will respond the same to a particular method. If you are having difficulty finding success with one method, you might want to try something else.
(1) Ferber method-Dr. Richard Ferber heads the Sleep Lab and the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at the Children’s Hospital in Boston. The basic idea behind his method is to let a child “cry it out”. He doesn’t recommend using this method before a baby is at least six months of age. This method is progressive. Dr. Ferber recommends putting your baby to bed awake, after a calm, loving bedtime routine, and then walking out of the room. Your baby may immediately begin to cry, but you shouldn’t rush back to him. Instead, wait a few minutes, then walk back into the room and quietly reassure him, without picking him up, then leave the room again. Gradually increase the time that you wait before walking back into the room. After several nights of this, hopefully your child will learn that his cries are futile, and he’ll settle himself back to sleep.
(2) Mindell method-Dr. Jodi Mindell is the Baby Center’s sleep expert. She has fifteen years of experience helping children with sleep problems. She also recommends establishing a bedtime routine for your child. She also suggests that parents create an inviting sleep environment for their baby. The room should be cool, dark, and quiet. Some sort of white noise can be used, such as a fan, to block out excessive noise. She also recommends placing a child into bed while he is still awake. Parents need to look for cues that a baby is sleeping, such as yawning and rubbing the eyes.
Obviously, these are just two of many methods that can be used or modified to help your child sleep better at night. Whatever method you choose needs to be consistently administered. If you are uncomfortable letting your child cry himself to sleep, you may want to try something else or at least modify that method. You may be more comfortable rocking your child to sleep, but if he continues to wake up in the night, you may need to let him soothe himself back to sleep, instead of rushing to his room.