Evie Summers
The 'cry-it-out method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting a baby cry until they fall asleep without intervention. While some parents swear by this method, others believe it is harmful. Pediatricians advise waiting until a baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. This is because a baby's circadian rhythm is still maturing during the first four months, and feeding takes priority over sleep. While some sources suggest that it is okay to let a baby cry as it can help them process their day and settle down, it is important to follow your instincts and choose a more hands-on approach if you have doubts. Consistency is key when using the cry-it-out method, and it may take a few nights for your baby to adjust. It is recommended to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your child.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age to start | Sources suggest 4 months or 16 weeks and weighing at least 11 pounds or 14 pounds. Some sources suggest 5-6 months or even 1 year old. |
| Benefits | Babies learn to fall asleep on their own, which helps them develop solid and more independent sleep skills. |
| Drawbacks | Some parents believe it is harmful to the child's mental health. Some studies suggest that the effects of sleep training wear off by the time the child is 2 years old. |
| Tips | Stay consistent with the sleep training method you choose. Keep a journal of your baby's sleep to track progress. |
| Alternatives | Pick up put down, bedtime routine fading, dream feeding, graduated extinction, scheduled awakening, controlled crying, and the Ferber method. |
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What You'll Learn
The pros and cons of the cry it out method
The cry-it-out (CIO) method is a sleep training technique that teaches babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It involves letting a baby cry as they learn to fall asleep without parental soothing. While some parents swear by the method, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if the CIO method is right for you and your baby:
Pros:
- The CIO method can help babies develop solid and more independent sleep skills over time.
- It can be a way for both parents and babies to get more sleep.
- The CIO method can help babies understand that bedtime is for sleep and not messing around.
- It can be a short-term pain for a long-term gain.
Cons:
- The CIO method can be difficult to follow, especially if you feel your efforts are not working.
- It can be confusing for babies if parents respond at certain times and not others.
- CIO training should be stopped immediately if your baby is distressed for reasons other than trying to sleep or seems unwell.
- Some parents believe that the CIO method is harmful and can cause developmental issues in children.
- There are gentler sleep training methods available, such as camping out or parental education, which can help most babies and parents get more sleep.
Ultimately, the decision to use the CIO method is a personal one, and it is important to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your baby.
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When to start sleep training
The "cry it out" (CIO) method is a process of letting your child cry for a period of time before you pick them up or soothe them. It is important to note that most CIO methods do not involve ignoring your crying baby but rather offer different ways to transition from parental soothing to baby-led soothing.
There is no "perfect" age for sleep training, and the ideal timing differs for every child. However, most experts recommend sleep training when your baby is at least 4 to 6 months old. At this age, babies are typically old enough to learn to self-soothe, and they may no longer require night feedings. Their sleep cycles also begin to mature, and their circadian rhythm starts to take effect.
Some parents choose to start sleep training when their baby is 3 to 4 months old, as this is when infants start to form a nighttime sleep cycle. However, most 3- and 4-month-olds are not developmentally ready to self-soothe, so sleep training may be more challenging.
If you are considering sleep training for a 1-year-old, it is important to remember that this is a period of budding independence, which can make toddlers more needy. Sleep training at this age can be frustrating because your child understands that you are just outside the door, and this can spark tears. However, it is not impossible, and some parents have shared success stories of sleep training their 1-year-olds using the CIO method.
The right time for sleep training is ultimately when you and your child are ready. Before starting any sleep training method, be sure to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your child.
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How to sleep train
Sleep training is a process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. There are several methods to sleep train a baby, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sleep train:
The Fading Technique
The fading technique is a gradual process. If your baby usually falls asleep while feeding, you can start by replacing the feeding with rocking, then gradually reduce the rocking, and eventually put them in the crib while they are still awake. You can stay to provide support and pat them to sleep if needed. Over time, you can remove your presence as a sleep association. This method is favoured by parents who want to minimize tears and don't mind if the process takes longer.
The Chair Method
The chair method is another gradual sleep training technique. You sit in a chair next to your child's crib while they learn to fall asleep on their own. Over time, the chair is moved further away from the crib and closer to the door, so you're still in the room but not in contact. The goal is to stay in the room with your baby until they fall asleep, and eventually, you won't need to be there for them to drift off. This method can be used after the fading technique. It is considered gentle, but some children may get frustrated if you remain in the room without helping them sleep, which can lead to tears and slower progress.
Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method
The Cry-It-Out method is a sleep-training strategy that lets your baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from you unless they need to be fed, changed, or are unsafe. This method works best when the baby is ready, no earlier than 4 months, and when their natural sleep cycle will even out. The first couple of nights are usually the hardest, but it often works quickly. However, this method can be the most difficult for parents.
Ferber Method
The Ferber method is a variation of the CIO method, also known as "controlled crying" or "graduated extinction." You leave the room for short periods, gradually increasing the time between check-ins until your baby falls asleep. The parent usually comes back at regular intervals to try and soothe the baby before leaving again. This method is preferred by caregivers who want quicker results and are okay with allowing their babies to cry for defined periods.
Pick Up, Put Down Method
The Pick Up, Put Down method is a gentle technique that takes patience. It involves placing the baby in the crib and soothing them by patting or rubbing their back until they stop crying. The parent then leaves the room and checks in after waiting some time. This method has been shown to reduce the percentage of parents reporting sleep problems.
It's important to remember that every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. Consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional to determine the best method for your baby, and stay consistent with the chosen plan.
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The effectiveness of sleep training
Sleep training is a common practice among parents who want to teach their babies to fall asleep on their own. The effectiveness of sleep training varies across different methods and babies.
The "cry-it-out" (CIO) method is a well-known sleep-training strategy that involves letting a baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from their caregiver. While some parents swear by this method, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful. The CIO method is not suitable for babies younger than 4 months old, as their circadian rhythm is still maturing. However, some sources suggest that it is safe to start sleep training a baby as young as 5 to 6 weeks old, using the CIO method when they are 4 months old.
The effectiveness of the CIO method is supported by the fact that babies typically cry the longest on the first night and significantly less by the third or fourth night, with most babies not protesting at all within seven days. This method can help babies learn to self-soothe and develop more independent sleep skills. One parent shared their experience, stating that after enduring three nights of their 1-year-old crying, their son has been able to fall asleep by himself for the past 2.5 years.
However, the CIO method may not work for all babies, and there are alternative sleep-training methods available. One such method is the "controlled crying" or "graduated extinction" approach, where parents allow their baby to cry for gradually increasing intervals before providing comfort. This method can help reduce the number of tears as the baby gradually learns to fall asleep independently. Another method is the "pick up, put down" approach, which involves higher parental involvement and is often recommended for younger babies around 4 months old.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep training. The effectiveness of a particular method may vary depending on the baby's age, temperament, and the consistency with which the method is applied. Some babies may respond better to gentler sleep-training approaches, and it is always advisable to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the baby.
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Alternatives to the cry it out method
While the "cry it out" method is a popular sleep training approach, it is not suitable or desirable for every baby and family. Here are some alternatives to the "cry it out" method:
Bedtime Routine Fading
This is a highly hands-on, no-cry approach that involves slowly reducing the amount of support you provide while remaining physically present and responding to your baby's cries. This method allows you to gradually wean your baby off your support while still being there for them.
Pick Up Put Down
This method involves putting your baby down drowsy but awake and then picking them up and soothing them before putting them down again. This cycle continues until your baby eventually falls asleep. This approach can help your baby feel comforted and supported while also learning to fall asleep independently.
Controlled Comforting or Controlled Crying
Controlled comforting, also known as controlled crying, is a more gradual approach to sleep training. It involves allowing your baby to fuss or cry but providing comfort at scheduled intervals, such as every 2 or 5 minutes, gradually increasing the time between check-ins. This method can help your baby feel reassured while also learning to self-soothe.
Dream Feeding
Dream feeding involves slightly awakening your baby to feed them just before you go to bed. The goal is to increase their sleep time by feeding them before hunger awakens them. This method can help your baby sleep longer stretches and may reduce the need for night feedings.
Predictable Bedtime Routines
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits. This may include activities such as feeding, burping, changing, and reading a bedtime story. A predictable routine can help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep and may make it easier for them to settle down.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's important to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional before starting any sleep training method to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your child.
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Frequently asked questions
Pediatricians advise waiting until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. However, some parents have let their 1-year-olds cry themselves to sleep and found that it worked. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether this technique is right for you and your family.
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 you unless they need to be fed, changed, or are unsafe.
There is no strict formula for how long you should let your baby cry. It depends on what you are comfortable with. Some sources suggest checking in on your baby at scheduled intervals that increase over time, such as 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and so on.
Yes, researchers are investigating a range of gentler sleep training approaches. One example is a gradual approach where the parent slowly moves the baby's bedtime to an earlier time.
