About 2 months ago my eighteen month old had a pretty serious ear infection. To help him sleep through the night, we brought him into bed with us. Before his ear infection he slept through the night in his crib. However, two months have passed and he still sleeps with us in our bed. When we try to put him in his crib, he wails – far outpacing his typical cry. Last night he screamed for 30 minutes before we relented and brought him back to our bed.
I’m looking for advice on how we can re-introduce him to his crib with a more positive outcome.
Thanks in advance. Much appreciated.

Initiate tough love and you will have to let him scream and you two will have to get ear plugs (to a certain degree). Of course he screams, he liked the comfort of both his mom and dad every night, but he has to learn to be by himself eventually and if you don't do it now, it won't happen. It will not be a healthy relationship, you two need your time as a couple and have a somewhat intimate relationship without baby in bed.

So, put him to bed, be firm and let him cry. He ill get used to it. We have all been through this my dear.

ms. tickle

Last night you taught him that if he crys long enough he wins.

You have to just let him lay there long enough to go to sleep

It depends on what you are comfortable with. Some are fine with letting them cry it out and eventually getting used to it. Some will let the child fall asleep with them and put them in their own bed later. You can transition him to sleeping on a mattress on the floor next to your bed... then eventually into his own room. Some will stay in the room with the child, rub their back, and such until they fall asleep. You can repeatedly go in to reassure him, calmly lie him back down, remind him it is time to sleep and leave again. Some would be fine with letting him sleep in their bed longer and trying again when he is a bit older.

There is no one way that works for all families, but the key with whatever you decide on is to be consistent. He will get the hang of it.

We did the heartbreaking cry it out plan. It works, but it's tough. They have sound makers that may help. We got one of those ocean ones, that sounds like waves and seagulls. A full belly helps too. Good luck and GOD bless you all.