K.
Hi T.,
My son is now two and was a horrible sleeper for me. From the time he was 6 months to 1 year he went through several different phases, where he would either be up several times throughout the night or would give us problems going to bed. I completely understand when you are so exhausted, you just want to bring them into bed. I too did not want to make that a habbit. I tried to never bring him into bed. If I had to I would lay with him on the couch, so that I could get some sleep. Honestly, he didnt start sleeping through the night until I let him cry himself to sleep. I still kept a night time routine of reading and a little rocking (5 minutes tops) Then I put him in his crib and left. I found that going in there, even if I didnt pick him up, made the crying last longer. So I stopped and let him just cry. It took 5 nights of crying that started at 45 min and ended at maybe a minute or two. After that, he would go to bed and sleep through the night. Now there are still times, he is up if he is sick or whatever, but most nights I get to sleep. I have several friends how have children around the same age, they all are different and go through different phases. You have to do what you are comfortable with. I know when I would put my son down and he would start crying, I would take a shower. I still had my video monitor so I could see him, but I didnt have to hear him crying.
I wish you lots of luck, and just know that eventually, they all sleep through the night in their own bed!