Do you Rock? (Putting kids to bed)

I did it both ways. My daughter went down fine without any rocking at all. My son, however, was like yours. He had constant ear infections, and he needed the added reassurance of me rocking him. In addition, since ear infections are more painful when a baby is lying down flat, it eases the pain to hold him. He will outgrow this need, so enjoy it as long as you can.

I put my 16 mo old down and he's usually upset but he quiets down within a minute or two. It's when he doesn't quiet down that you know he's not as ready as you thought he was. Now on the otherhand my 6yo is a co-sleeper from heck. So I highly recommend not even starting with laying with them ;) My middle wouldn't fall asleep in her bed we let her konk out on the couch and then move her to her bed, now she stays there part of the night or crawls in with someone else during the night.

I loved rocking my children and, like your child, mine also had a lot of ear infections. I rocked mine until they were about two and a half, and then I started with the routines of getting them to learn how to fall asleep on their own. That way, when they got older, bedtime wouldn't be a struggle.

I understand how hard it is to let your child cry. Luckily all of mine have been taught from the first day to go to sleep on their own mostly. I occasionally rock them to sleep while they are very little, I still rock the youngest who is four months sometimes. I think for your sake it is important to start teaching yours to go to sleep on their own considering their age. To start that the best thing is to rock them until they are almost asleep then lay them down and stay close by. If they use a pacifier or a special blankie or something make sure that is with them and let them lay there and fall asleep. They will probably cry some, but just make sure they know you are near and they will go to sleep before too long.

With my first child, I rocked him until he was about 9 months old and then he learned how to rock himself and he would sit on the couch, or in the bed and just rock himself back and forth until he got tired... and still at 6 he does that from time to time... It's cute in an odd way. My littlest girl, has never been a lover and always hated to be held... I always wanted to hold and cuddle on her but she just never wanted it... She was born early and had other issues from that and hated to hear her cry but she wanted to be left alone... so i'd have to listen to her when it come time for bed... and she's never really been much of a sleeper.. If my son would fit on my lap I'd love to sit rock him, it's relaxing for me. But he's 60 lbs and that's just to heavy for me to be carrying off to bed.... If you feel you need to rock your child, do it... that just more bonding time for the two of you and he will always know that momma's arms are open for him.

Hi, I have a daughter about to turn 1 and I just put her down. She usually falls asleep before she gets to bed as she has recently started walking and its wearing her out. I've never had a problem putting her down although some nights she will cry for a second before dropping off. I will rock her if she ill or she won't settle. I don't think there is anything wrong with you rocking your son to sleep at his age, it's great when they want to be really close to you. You just need to set a limit to how long you will do this for as he may get to used to you doing it and always expect it no matter how old (or big) he gets x

I rock my son and rocked my other kids also when they were little. There is nothing wrong with rocking a child. It makes them feel loved and secure.

My son is almost six months old and I rock him to sleep. I rocked my oldest son to sleep for a long time. I dont really remember at what age i stopped. I dont have a rocking chair but i really need to invest in one. It kills my back.

Usually I only have to put my daughter down and giver her a pacifier (she's still under a year) and make sure a blanket it touching her face. I will rock her if she is sick or having a hard time falling asleep. Usually it's instant though. If I rock her she usually stirs and wakes back up when I lay her down.