Colin Snow
Sleep training is a common practice for parents to help their babies develop a healthy sleep schedule. One of the most well-known methods is the cry it out (CIO) method, which involves letting a baby cry as they learn to fall asleep independently. While some parents worry about the potential negative impacts of this method, research suggests that it does not cause long-term harm to babies. In this article, we will explore the different variations of the CIO method, the recommended age to start sleep training, and provide tips for parents to help their babies develop healthy sleep habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cry-it-out method | Let the baby cry until they fall asleep without any intervention from the parent |
| Age | Pediatricians advise waiting until the baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training |
| Benefits | Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can help in processing an active day, settling down, and falling asleep |
| Risks | Dropping a night feeding too soon may lower milk production |
| Alternatives | Pick-up-put-down, bedtime routine fading, scheduled awakening, and graduated extinction |
| Sleep schedule | Babies between 8-12 months old should sleep 12-16 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. They will likely still take two naps per day, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Sleep regression | 8-month sleep regression is a normal shake-up in a baby's nighttime routine, marked by more trouble sleeping and frequent wake-ups overnight |
| Separation anxiety | Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development that happens between 6-24 months. It can be caused by the baby's improved physical and social skills |
| Room-sharing | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
The cry-it-out method
Proponents of the CIO method argue that if a baby is used to being rocked or nursed to sleep, they will become dependent on this and will be unable to fall back asleep without comfort if they wake up during the night. By letting your baby cry it out, they can learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own.
There are several variations of the CIO method, but most recommend starting when your baby is at least 4 months old, as their sleep cycles become more regular and predictable at this age. Some sources suggest waiting until the baby is at least 6 months old, as "sleeping through the night" at 6 months often means sleeping for 5 to 6 hours without feeding.
One popular CIO method is the Ferber method, also known as the graduated extinction model. This method involves putting your baby to bed when they are drowsy but still awake, then letting them cry for 5 minutes before responding for the first time. After that, you gradually increase the time between responses by 5-minute increments.
Another CIO method is the Weissbluth method, which encourages parents to have predictable bedtime routines. This method suggests letting babies cry for 10 to 20 minutes before falling asleep.
Research suggests that the cry-it-out method does not cause long-term harm to babies. Studies have found that it does not lead to behavioural or attachment problems and does not negatively impact their social or emotional development. However, it is important to note that cry-it-out sleep training can be stressful for parents and that there are alternative sleep-training techniques available.
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Sleep training
The CIO method typically involves preparing your baby for bedtime and then letting them cry without intervention unless they need feeding, changing, or are in distress. Some variations of this method include the Ferber method, which suggests putting your baby to bed when they're drowsy but awake, and then letting them cry for 5 minutes before responding and gradually increasing the time between responses. Another approach is the Weissbluth method, which recommends letting babies cry for 10 to 20 minutes before sleeping and can be started as early as 5 to 6 weeks of age. However, it's important to note that sleep training is generally recommended for babies over 4 months of age, as younger babies are still working on establishing a circadian rhythm and feeding takes priority over sleep.
Before considering sleep training, it's crucial to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready and that you have realistic expectations for their sleep needs. For example, the 8-month sleep regression is a common phase where babies experience disruptions in their sleep cycles due to factors like improved physical skills, language development, and separation anxiety. During this time, it's important to provide reassurance and keep visits to the crib brief and calm.
If you decide to try sleep training, remember that it may take a few nights for your baby to adjust. Be consistent and firm in teaching your baby to fall back asleep without your direct intervention. However, if you've been sleep training for a week without progress or your baby's sleep is worsening, it's best to consult your pediatrician to identify the underlying issue.
Remember, each baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. Trust your instincts, be patient, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice if you have concerns.
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Separation anxiety
- Crying or fussing when you leave their side or go into another room.
- Screaming or throwing a tantrum upon separation.
- Clinging to you and refusing to let go.
- Crying when dropped off at daycare or someone else's home.
- Wanting you to be present when they fall asleep.
It is important to understand that separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood development. It is a sign that your baby has formed a close bond with you. As your baby grows and begins to understand object permanence, they will gradually move past this phase.
- Provide reassurance: Offer brief words of comfort and reassurance to your baby without removing them from the crib. Let them know that you are there and it's time for them to sleep. Gradually increase the time between these check-ins.
- Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent and calming bedtime routine can help reduce your baby's anxiety and encourage independent sleep.
- Encourage independence: While it's important to provide reassurance, also allow your baby some time to settle down and fall back asleep on their own. This will help them develop self-soothing skills.
- Talk about emotions: As your baby grows, engage in conversations about emotions and read books that explore feelings. This can help them develop emotional awareness and better understand their own emotions.
- Seek professional guidance: If your child is older and continues to experience distress due to separation anxiety, consult your pediatrician or a healthcare provider. They can guide you through the next steps and provide specific recommendations based on your child's needs.
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Safe sleep environment
The "cry it out" (CIO) method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting a baby cry as they learn to fall asleep without parental intervention. While it can be tough for parents to hear their baby cry, research suggests that there are no long-term effects from letting babies cry it out. In fact, short periods of crying can be helpful for babies as a natural form of communication.
If you are considering the CIO method, pediatricians advise waiting until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds. However, the CIO method is not recommended for newborns, as feeding takes priority over sleep during this time.
- Ensure your baby always sleeps on their back. This helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Once your baby can roll over both ways, typically around 5 to 6 months old, you don't need to reposition them if they move in their sleep.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a fitted sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, such as pillows, blankets, or soft toys, as these can pose a suffocation risk.
- Make sure the crib or bassinet meets current safety standards and is free from any damage. Keep any wires or cords away from the crib to prevent entanglement or strangulation hazards.
- Room-sharing is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, as it helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring your baby during the night. However, bed-sharing is not safe and increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
- In the lead-up to bedtime, ensure your baby is well-fed and has had time to wind down in a comforting and calm environment without excess stimulation.
- Reduce potential disturbances and distractions by creating a quiet and dark environment for your baby to sleep in. White noise machines can help to drown out background noise.
- Expose your baby to natural light during daytime activities to help establish a sleep-wake pattern that corresponds to the day-night cycle.
- Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it. If they are breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is firmly established.
- Avoid using products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. No known products can actually do this.
- Do not use weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles on or around your baby.
- Keep your baby away from items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around their neck, and objects with sharp edges or corners.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's important to trust your instincts and choose a sleep-training method that feels right for you and your family. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.
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Sleep regression
To address sleep regression, consistency is key. Maintaining a consistent yet flexible daily routine can help improve your baby's sleep. While it may be challenging, try to avoid starting new habits or patterns that you don't want to continue long-term. Additionally, helping your baby learn to fall asleep with less assistance can improve the quantity and quality of their sleep. This can be achieved by gradually lengthening their wake windows before completely dropping the third nap.
The "cry-it-out" (CIO) method is a sleep-training strategy where you prepare your baby for the night and let them cry themselves to sleep without intervention unless they need feeding, diapering, or are unsafe. This method is based on the idea that babies can learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. However, it is important to note that the CIO method may not be suitable for all families, and it is recommended to consult a pediatrician before starting any sleep training program.
While it can be difficult to hear your baby cry, it is important to know that short periods of crying can be beneficial. Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can aid in processing their day, settling down, and falling asleep. If you are uncomfortable with the CIO method, there are alternative hands-on approaches, such as "pick up put down" or "bedtime routine fading." Trust your instincts and choose the approach that feels right for you and your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
The cry-it-out (CIO) method is a sleep-training strategy that involves letting a baby cry as they learn to fall asleep without parental intervention.
Pediatricians advise waiting until your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs 14 pounds before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. However, it is important to implement a developmentally appropriate approach and understand your baby's needs.
Before starting sleep training, ensure your baby has a regular sleep schedule and a daily routine. It is also important to remember that each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
The 8-month sleep regression is a normal phase that can happen anytime between 8 and 10 months, causing disruptions in your baby's sleep cycle. To cope, try to be patient, take turns with your partner or a babysitter, and give your baby brief reassurance without taking them out of the crib.
