Colin Snow
The cry it out method of sleep training is a popular but controversial topic among parents and experts. It involves letting a baby cry for a set period before being consoled or fed, with the goal of teaching them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. While some parents find success with this method, others prefer gentler approaches as it can be distressing for both babies and caregivers. The effectiveness of cry it out is influenced by factors such as a baby's temperament, age, and life circumstances, and it may not be suitable for all families. Sleep training is typically considered after 4 months when babies experience sleep regression, but it's important to remember that every family and baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Cry It Out (CIO) is effective for some babies and parents. |
| Timing | CIO is not recommended for newborns. It is best to wait until the baby is at least 4 months old. |
| Benefits | CIO can help babies and parents sleep better and longer. |
| Drawbacks | CIO can be stressful and upsetting for parents and babies. It may not work for all babies, especially those with certain temperaments. |
| Alternatives | Gentler methods such as Ferber, chair method, or wake-and-sleep method are available. |
| Preparation | Parents should be emotionally and practically prepared and have a clear plan before starting CIO. |
| Consistency | Consistency and patience are important for the success of CIO. |
| Safety | CIO is not recommended if the baby is sick, teething, or going through a major life change. |
| Professional advice | Consulting a pediatrician or a sleep expert is advised before starting CIO. |
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What You'll Learn
Cry it out sleep training effectiveness
Cry it out (CIO) is a sleep-training method that involves letting a baby cry until they fall asleep. The method is based on the idea that falling asleep is a skill that babies need to learn, just like rolling over, crawling, and walking. While some parents find success with CIO, it is not a preferred method for many, as hearing a baby cry can be excruciating.
The effectiveness of CIO varies across babies and families. Some parents find that after a few nights of CIO, their baby sleeps through the night. However, for others, the tears continue, and the desired sleep does not come. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and what works for one baby may not work for another. The temperament of the baby also plays a role, with slow-to-adapt, persistent, and intense children possibly having a harder time with CIO.
Studies have shown that CIO can help both babies and parents sleep better. A 2006 review of 52 studies found that CIO was effective in helping babies fall and stay asleep. A 2022 meta-analysis of 10 studies involving behavioral sleep techniques, including CIO, found that all methods significantly improved children's and mothers' sleep. Additionally, research suggests that CIO does not cause long-term damage to babies. A 2020 study found that CIO sleep training in the first year of life did not harm a baby's social or emotional development.
However, it is important to note that CIO is not the fastest or most effective sleep training method for every baby. A 2020 study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that CIO made little difference to a baby's development by 18 months. Additionally, CIO can be contrary to the goal of building a child's confidence and may not be suitable for babies who get worked up and stressed by the method.
When considering CIO, it is essential to keep in mind that it is not suitable for newborns. During the first 12-16 weeks of life, a baby's circadian rhythm is maturing, and they are adjusting to life outside the womb. Sleep training is not recommended during this period. It is also important to consult with a pediatrician before starting CIO to ensure it is developmentally appropriate for the baby and to address any concerns.
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When to start cry it out sleep training
The decision to use the "cry it out" method for sleep training is a personal choice based on what parents think is best for their baby and family. It is a sleep training method that requires parents to let their baby cry and be fussy for a set period so they can learn to self-soothe and fall asleep without assistance.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and what works for one baby may not work for another. It is recommended to speak with a pediatrician before starting any CIO program, as a baby may have specific health or feeding needs. Generally, babies are developmentally ready for sleep training between 4 and 6 months old, as they haven't gotten used to being rocked or nursed to sleep, and it is about when the 3- to 4-month sleep regression occurs.
Some sources suggest that babies can start the "cry it out" method as early as 5 to 6 weeks old, with parents letting their babies cry for 10 to 20 minutes before sleeping. At 4 months old, some recommend doing "full extinction," which means letting the baby cry until they fall asleep without any parent interaction. Others suggest waiting until 6 months old for the "cold turkey" CIO method.
Before starting sleep training, it is important to establish a bedtime routine and ensure the baby is getting adequate sleep during the day, as overtired babies have a harder time falling and staying asleep. It is also crucial to consider any big changes or stressors in the baby's life, such as a move, new sibling, or illness, and wait for things to stabilise before attempting sleep training.
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Cry it out sleep training alternatives
The "cry it out" method of sleep training is a well-known and controversial approach that involves letting a baby cry until they calm down or fall asleep. While some parents accept it, others find it cruel. It is also known as the "extinction method".
There are several alternative methods to sleep training that do not involve leaving a baby to "cry it out". These include:
- The Ferber method: This involves checking on your baby in gradually increasing increments until they eventually fall asleep.
- Disappearing chair: This method involves sitting in a chair in the baby's room, moving it a little further away from the crib each night until you are out of the room completely.
- Pick-up/put-down: This involves entering the room and picking up the baby each time they protest, placing them back down when they are drowsy, and repeating the process.
- Camping out: This method involves the parent sleeping next to the baby's crib.
- Check and Console: This is a gentler method that involves checking on your baby, comforting them when needed, but allowing a few sniffles as they learn how to teach themselves to go to sleep.
- Sleep Lady Shuffle: A gentle sleep training method created by renowned sleep coach Kim West.
- The Peaceful Sleeper method: This approach involves gradually teaching your baby independent sleep skills, without leaving them alone while they are crying. It involves getting your baby on a predictable schedule by following age-appropriate wake windows and tuning into their sleepy cues.
- Wake-and-sleep method: When you place your sleeping baby down, you wake them up a little and let them get back to sleep on their own.
- Gradual adjustments: This involves introducing new sleep practices slowly. For example, if you are transitioning from co-sleeping to independent sleeping, you can start with daytime naps in the new environment before moving to nighttime sleep.
- Responsive parenting: This involves always responding to a child's cries during sleep training by providing comfort promptly.
- Establishing a comforting bedtime routine: This involves a predictable bedtime routine that includes calming activities like baths, storytime, and cuddles.
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Cry it out sleep training and a baby's temperament
The Cry It Out (CIO) method of sleep training is a highly debated topic among parents and experts. While some parents swear by it, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful. The CIO method involves meeting all the baby's needs, such as feeding and changing their diaper, before placing them in their crib while drowsy but still awake. The parent then leaves the room, allowing the baby to self-settle without parental involvement. While this method can be effective in teaching babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, it is important to consider how a baby's temperament may impact the success of this approach.
A baby's temperament plays a significant role in their sleep habits and their response to sleep training. Some babies may adapt well to the CIO method, especially those with adaptable and easy-going personalities. Consistent babies may also find it easier to adjust to a set bedtime and nap schedule. However, slow-to-adapt, persistent, and intense children may struggle with the CIO method and experience intense crying. Abrupt changes in their sleep routine can be challenging for these babies, potentially leading to prolonged crying and difficulty in self-soothing.
Research suggests that early sleep problems are more predictive of future sleep disturbances than parental interventions. Babies with more difficult temperaments tend to experience poorer sleep, prompting parents to respond more frequently during the night. Additionally, babies who require more soothing to fall asleep may have parents who are more inclined to provide comfort. As a result, these babies may take longer to learn to sleep independently.
It is crucial for parents to understand their baby's temperament and unique needs before considering the CIO method. While some babies may adapt well to this approach, others may benefit from gentler sleep training techniques. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to sleep training, and parents should use their best judgment to decide what works best for their family. Personalized sleep plans that take into account the baby's temperament, the family's goals, and parenting philosophy can be more effective and supportive for parents navigating sleep training.
In conclusion, while the CIO method may work for some babies, it is essential to recognize that a baby's temperament plays a significant role in their response to this sleep training technique. Parents should carefully consider their baby's personality and make informed decisions that align with their parenting style and their child's needs. By understanding their baby's temperament, parents can choose the most appropriate approach to sleep training, fostering a more positive and tailored experience for their little one.
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Cry it out sleep training and a baby's development
The "cry it out" (CIO) method is a sleep-training technique that involves letting a baby cry until they fall asleep. It is based on the idea that falling asleep is a skill that babies need to learn, just like rolling over, crawling, or walking. While some parents swear by this method, others believe that letting a baby cry is harmful.
The CIO method is not for every family, as it can be difficult to hear a baby cry. It is important to remember that not all babies will respond the same way to this technique. A baby's temperament plays a significant role in how they handle the CIO method. For instance, slow-to-adapt, persistent, and intense children may struggle more with CIO and cry intensely due to the abrupt change. On the other hand, an adaptable and easy-going baby may cry very little or not at all.
The CIO method can be implemented in different ways. One approach is to feed, burp, and change the baby, then place them in their crib drowsy but awake, and leave the room until the next scheduled feeding or when they wake up in the morning. Another approach is a more graduated method, where parents keep track of the time between checking in on the baby and briefly soothing them. It is important to note that the CIO method should not be used with newborns, as their circadian rhythm is still maturing during the first 12-16 weeks of life.
While some sources suggest that the CIO method may not have a significant impact on a baby's development in the long term, others argue that it goes against a fundamental evolutionary drive and may hinder their confidence-building. It is essential to consider a baby's unique needs and temperament when deciding on a sleep-training method. If the CIO method makes parents uncomfortable, there are gentler alternatives available, such as camping out or parental education, which have been found to be effective in helping babies and parents get more sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cry It Out method, also known as the extinction method, is a sleep-training technique that involves letting your baby cry until they fall asleep. The idea is that your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own, without needing to be rocked or nursed.
It is generally recommended to wait until your baby is at least 4 months old before trying the Cry It Out method. This is because, by this age, your baby's circadian rhythm has matured, and they have adjusted to life outside the womb. Additionally, by 4 months old, your baby is less likely to have gotten used to being rocked or nursed to sleep.
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some babies may protest for 25 minutes, while others may cry for 65 minutes or longer. It's important to remain consistent and patient, as giving in and intervening may confuse your baby. However, it's also important to be aware of situations where your baby's crying may signal that they need help, such as illness or teething.
The Cry It Out method can be effective for sleep training and has been shown to help both babies and parents sleep better. However, it may not work for every baby, and there are other sleep-training methods you can try, such as the Ferber method or the chair method. Additionally, it's important to remember that sleep regression can occur even after successful sleep training.
