So, as soon as he woke up this time, we went into action. Cameron went right in when he first started crying. He laid him back down (he was standing in the crib), told him everything was OK, and left. He of course was immediately standing up screaming again. So, we let him cry it out for 10 minutes. Then, since he was still crying, Cameron went in again. He laid him back down again, rubbed his legs and head for a minute or so, and then left. The idea was to keep the interaction positive and reassuring, but brief. It worked like a charm! He's been quiet and sleeping ever since!

Had he started screaming again after Cameron's second trip in, we would have waited 15 minutes before re-entering the room. Then 20 minutes the next time, then 30, and so on. Spacing out the intervals longer and longer each time.

After listening to Hayden cry for nearly 2 hours last Satuday, this quick stint was much more tolerable! I think he is just getting freaked out, or having a nightmare or something, and needs reassurance that everything is fine and that we are there.

So, letting him cry it out without going in doesn't seem to be the answer now as it has always been for us in the past. He needs a quick cuddle these days. -- mam