Cry it out, also known as extinction sleep training, is a method of sleep training that involves allowing a baby to cry until they fall asleep on their own. The idea is that by gradually increasing the amount of time that the baby is left to cry, they will eventually learn to fall asleep independently. Everything sounds great, but how does that look in reality?
There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of cry it out as a sleep training method, and it is controversial among parents and healthcare providers. Some studies have suggested that cry it out may lead to short-term improvements in sleep, but there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of this method.
Few sleep training for babies
There are other sleep training methods that may be more effective and have fewer potential negative consequences. There are several different methods of sleep training that may be effective for helping babies develop good sleep habits. Here are some common sleep training methods:
- Graduated extinction: Also known as cry it out, this method involves gradually increasing the amount of time that a baby is left to cry until they fall asleep on their own. This method is controversial and may not be appropriate for all babies.
- Fading: This method involves gradually decreasing the amount of assistance that a parent provides to help the baby fall asleep. For example, a parent may start by rocking the baby to sleep and gradually reduce the amount of rocking over time.
- Pick-up/put-down: This method involves putting the baby down in their bed when they are drowsy but awake, and then picking them up and comforting them if they cry. The parent repeats this process until the baby falls asleep.
- Sleep coaching: This method involves working with a sleep coach or sleep specialist to develop a personalized sleep training plan that is tailored to the needs of the baby and the family.
It is important to keep in mind that every baby is different, and what works for one baby may not work for another.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik
