Colin Snow
Leaving a baby to cry it out is a divisive topic, with some parents swearing by it and others believing it is harmful. The cry-it-out method is a sleep-training strategy that involves preparing your baby for the night and letting them cry themselves to sleep without any intervention from their parents. While some sources suggest that it is okay to let your baby cry, and that short periods of crying can be helpful, others argue that there is little science behind the idea of self-soothing. Many parents find it stressful to hear their baby cry, even for short periods, and research suggests that sleep training strategies for babies under six months old are unlikely to work. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your baby is at least four months old to start sleep training, and some research suggests that the effects of CIO are most lasting after six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cry-it-out method | Involves letting the baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from the parent |
| When to use | Babies older than 4 months. Some sources suggest waiting until the baby is 6 months old or older |
| Benefits | Babies and parents may sleep better. Helps babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own |
| Drawbacks | Parents may find it stressful. Some psychologists argue that "self-soothing" is a modern term with little science behind it |
| Alternative methods | Pick up put down, bedtime routine fading, camping out, parental education |
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What You'll Learn
The cry-it-out method is one of many sleep-training strategies
There are several variations of the cry-it-out method. One approach is to let your baby cry for a short period before going in to resettle them, gradually extending the time between each visit. Experts suggest trying intervals of between one minute and 10 minutes. This approach is based on the idea that your baby will learn to self-soothe and get themselves back to sleep. However, some psychologists argue that "self-soothing" is a modern term with little science behind it, and that a baby that is quiet after crying may simply have accepted that no help is coming.
Another variation is the "pure" or "extinction" form of cry-it-out, where parents let their baby cry for a long stretch all at once. This method still works for some families, but it is not the only way to sleep train. It is important to note that this method should not be used for newborns or babies under four months old, as they do not have established sleep cycles yet. It is also not recommended for babies with health conditions or reflux, as they may be crying for reasons unrelated to sleep and may need attention and care.
Some sources suggest that sleep training is not necessary and can even be ineffective for newborns. Before four months of age, a baby's circadian rhythm is still maturing, and they are working on understanding the difference between day and night. Feeding takes priority over sleep, and their sleep is very disorganized. Instead of sleep training, it is recommended to focus on sleep fundamentals, such as establishing a consistent and predictable bedtime routine.
Ultimately, the decision to use the cry-it-out method or any other sleep-training strategy is up to each family. It is important to consider your baby's temperament and your comfort level with the method. Some gentler and more gradual approaches to sleep training can also be effective, such as camping out, parental education, and pick-up-put-down methods.
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It's recommended for babies 4 months and older
It is generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least four months old before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. This is because, before this age, a baby's circadian rhythm is still maturing, and they are working on understanding the difference between day and night. Feeding also takes priority over sleep at this stage.
Sleep training methods can take a number of different forms, but they all aim to help your baby sleep for longer periods at night. Some methods encourage your baby to settle themselves back to sleep without your help, while others aim to reduce how much your baby calls or cries for you during the night. The cry-it-out method is just one sleep-training strategy, and it may not be the right technique for every family.
The cry-it-out method involves preparing your baby for the night and letting them cry themselves to sleep without any intervention from you unless they need to be fed, changed, or are in distress. The idea is to give your baby a chance to get themselves back to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends letting children six months and older put themselves back to sleep without parental intervention.
There are several variations of the cry-it-out method, including the "pure" or "extinction" method, where parents let their baby cry for a long stretch all at once. However, there are also more gradual methods, such as gradually extending the time between checking on your baby. While some sources recommend letting your baby cry for short periods, others suggest that there is no "right" amount of time to let your baby cry, and it depends on what parents are comfortable with.
It is important to note that there are times when it may not be appropriate to let your baby cry it out, such as when they are sick, have a developmental delay or condition, or have reflux. Additionally, some researchers suggest that CIO methods may risk unintended consequences, such as premature ending of nursing and increased crying in other situations.
Overall, the decision to use the cry-it-out method depends on what works best for your family and your baby's temperament. It is recommended to consult with a pediatrician or other experts to determine the most suitable approach for your baby's sleep training.
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There are no long-term effects from letting babies cry it out
The idea of letting a baby "cry it out" has been around since at least the 1880s. Back then, the field of medicine was obsessed with germs and transmitting infections, so the notion took hold that babies should be touched as little as possible. In the 20th century, behaviourist John Watson took up the crusade against affection, warning about the dangers of "too much mother love".
However, research suggests there are no long-term effects from letting babies cry it out to learn to sleep and self-soothe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends letting children 6 months and older put themselves back to sleep without parental intervention. Many parents report that they and their babies sleep better after using cry-it-out methods. One study that considered attachment theory found that mothers of securely attached infants had nighttime interactions that were generally more consistent, sensitive, and responsive than those of insecurely attached infants.
Some psychologists argue that "self-soothing" is a modern term with little science behind it, and a baby that is quiet after crying may simply have accepted that no help is coming. Some researchers suggest cry-it-out methods of sleep training may risk unintended consequences like premature ending of nursing, increased crying in other situations, and the potential for an increased risk of SIDS.
That said, it's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. The cry-it-out method is just one strategy, and it may not be appropriate for all families or babies. For example, it may not be suitable for babies younger than 4 months old, as they don't have established sleep cycles yet. Additionally, if your baby is sick, has a developmental delay, or has reflux, you may want to choose a more hands-on approach to sleep training, such as pick-up-put-down or bedtime routine fading.
Ultimately, you know your baby and your family best. If you have any doubts about using the cry-it-out method, trust your instincts and consider alternative sleep-training techniques that may be a better fit for your family.
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Crying can help babies process an active day and fall asleep
Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can help them process an active day, settle down, and fall asleep. While it may be difficult for parents to listen to their baby cry, it is okay to let them do so for short periods.
The cry-it-out (CIO) method, also known as the extinction method, is a sleep-training technique that allows babies to cry themselves to sleep without parental intervention. This method is typically recommended for babies aged 4 to 6 months or older, as younger babies may not have established sleep cycles yet.
When using the CIO method, it is important to ensure that your baby's basic needs, such as feeding and diaper changes, are met. It is also crucial to pay close attention to your baby's cries and respond if they are in pain or distress.
The CIO method can be gradually implemented, starting with short periods of crying and gradually increasing the time intervals. This approach fosters comfort and bonding as your baby learns to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Research suggests that there are no long-term effects from letting babies cry it out, and many parents report improved sleep for themselves and their babies after using CIO methods. However, some psychologists argue that the concept of "self-soothing" lacks scientific evidence, and there may be unintended consequences, such as increased crying in other situations.
It is important to note that the CIO method may not be suitable for all babies or families. Alternative sleep-training techniques, such as camping out or parental education, can be considered. Ultimately, the decision to use the CIO method depends on the parents' comfort level and what works best for their family and baby's temperament.
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The CIO method may not work for all families
The Cry It Out (CIO) method may not work for all families. Firstly, it is important to note that the CIO method should not be attempted with babies younger than four months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies younger than four months old do not have established sleep cycles yet. Research suggests that the CIO method may be ineffective before six months of age.
Additionally, the CIO method may not be suitable if your baby is sick, has a developmental delay or a condition present at birth, has reflux, or is prone to psychological damage, such as in cases where the baby has experienced trauma or been in foster care. In such cases, it is important to consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare professional before attempting any sleep training method.
The CIO method may also be challenging for parents who find it stressful or uncomfortable to hear their baby cry, even for short periods. It is essential to consider your comfort level and what works best for your family. Some parents may prefer a more hands-on approach or gentler sleep training techniques, such as "pick up put down" or "camping out," which can also be effective in helping babies sleep better.
Furthermore, individual differences should be considered when deciding whether to use the CIO method. While some babies may respond well to the CIO method and learn to self-soothe, others may not. It is important to be realistic about your baby's sleep expectations, as babies are not designed to sleep through the night, and their sleep patterns can vary due to growth and development.
Ultimately, the decision to use the CIO method or any other sleep training technique depends on what works best for your family and your baby's temperament. It is essential to trust your instincts, educate yourself about your baby's sleep, and choose a method that aligns with your parenting style and comfort level.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally considered okay to let your baby cry for short periods of time from the age of 6 months. However, it is important to note that this will depend on your baby's temperament and your comfort with the method.
The Cry It Out method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting your baby cry themselves to sleep without any intervention from you. The idea is to give your baby a chance to get themselves back to sleep. This method works best when your baby is ready for sleep training and has a predictable bedtime routine.
By 6 months, babies can sleep through the night without needing to eat, making it a good time to try the CIO method. However, it is important to consider your baby's individual needs and temperament. Some babies may be ready for sleep training earlier, while others may take more time. It is recommended to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare professional if you are unsure.
