Q&A: How can I help my baby sleep on her own?

You are in a common situation—babies who once slept beautifully through the night, then get a minor illness, often lose their night routine. The issue has to do with sleep associations—those people and objects that help babies complete the transition between sleepy/awake and asleep. You were there when she was ill (and rightly so) but now she's come to expect your presence. All infants awaken a few times during the night and ideally know how to get themselves back to sleep without relying on something or someone else.

You mention the "5-10-15" method (representing the minutes allowing a baby to cry—a method first espoused by Richard Ferber, MD, of Boston's Children's Hospital). This practice is meant for children six months and older, and usually works in about one week; but the temperament of the child and consistency of how it is applied will determine how much time it takes. I would recommend continuing to try a gentle version of this method, as soon as she is back to feeling 100 percent. Use the time intervals (of waiting before verbally reassuring her) that you and your spouse are comfortable with. Even the occasional 45 minutes of crying isn't "harmful." A pacifier isn't the best transitional object because it does get separated from the baby so easily, but you can perhaps substitute another object, like a safe blanket.