I AM A BAD MOM😐
My daughter slept in her bassinet until she was two months old, but then her father and I made the mistake of letting her sleep in our bed for two weeks. After that, it took almost a month to get her sleep trained again. She’s 6 months now and doing much better — but now she’s teething. All she wants is cuddles and to chew, chew, chew until she falls asleep. I’ve tried letting her cry, but hearing her sound so hurt breaks me. Am I making a mistake by giving in right now?
Many parents struggle with sleep disruptions when their babies begin teething or after changes in sleeping arrangements. It's common for infants who once slept well in their bassinets to face setbacks after co-sleeping, as the transition back to independent sleep can take time and patience. At around six months, teething often causes discomfort that leads babies to seek more cuddles and chew objects to soothe their gums. Experts suggest maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, even if your baby needs extra comfort due to teething pain. Using teething toys or cold washcloths can help relieve gum soreness, while gentle rocking or soothing sounds may calm your baby without fully disrupting sleep training progress. It's important to recognize that sometimes temporarily adapting to your baby's needs, such as holding them until they fall asleep, is part of responding to their developmental stage rather than a failure. While letting a baby cry it out is a common method, many parents find it emotionally difficult, especially when their child is clearly in pain. In such cases, a gradual approach to sleep training—offering comfort but encouraging self-soothing—can be effective and compassionate. Remember, parenting is a journey full of adjustments. Feeling like a “bad mom” during these tough moments is normal, but providing love, patience, and responsive care is what truly matters for your baby’s well-being and emotional security.
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