What is the cry it out method?
The cry it out method is a controversial sleep training method where parents allow their baby to cry themselves to sleep. The idea is that by allowing the baby to cry for a short period of time, they will eventually learn to fall asleep on their own and sleep through the night. The method was first popularized by Dr. Richard Ferber in his book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems”. While the cry it out method is one of the most well-knownsleep training methods, it is also one of the most controversial. There are many proponents of the cry it out method who believe that it is an effective way for babies to learn to fall asleep on their own and develop healthy sleep habits. However, there are also many critics of themethod who believe that it is cruel and harmful to leave a baby to cry alone. The decision of whether or not to use the cry it out method is a personal one that parents need to make based on their own beliefs and values.
How does the cry it out method work?
Cry it out method is one of the most common sleep training methods. It involves letting your baby cry themselves to sleep. This may sound harsh, but research has shown that it is an effective way to help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own.
Here’s how it works:
1. Start by creating a bedtime routine for your baby. This should include things like a bath, story time, and a lullaby.
2. Put your baby in their crib when they are sleepy but not yet asleep.
3. If they start to cry, leave the room and let them cry themselves to sleep. It may take some time, but eventually they will drift off to sleep on their own.
4. If your baby cries for more than an hour, check on them and offer some comfort (but don’t pick them up or rock them to sleep).
5. Repeat this process every night until your baby is sleeping through the night on their own (usually around 6 months old).
When is the best time to start using the cry it out method?
There is no one answer to the question of when is the best time to start using the cry it out method. Every baby is different and will respond differently to this method of sleep training. Some babies may be ready to start sleep training as early as 6 months old, while others may not be ready until they are closer to 1 year old.
If you are thinking about using the cry it out method to help your baby sleep, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, this method should only be used as a last resort after you have tried other methods of helping your baby sleep (such as making sure they have a regular bedtime routine). Second, you should only use this method if you are confident that your baby is physically able to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
If you decide that the cry it out method is right for your family, there are a few different ways you can go about it. One popular way is known as the Ferber Method, which involves putting your baby down for a nap or bedtime and letting them cry for a set amount of time before going in to check on them. This time gradually increases each night until your baby is sleeping through the night without any crying.
Another option for implementing the cry it out method is known as “sleep training” or “sleep coaching”. This involves working with a sleep consultant or coach who will help you create a customized plan based on your family’s specific needs and goals. This plan may involve letting your baby cry for short periods of time throughout the day (or night) in order to get them used to falling asleep on their own.
Whichever approach you choose, keep in mind that it will likely take some time and patience before you see results. It’s important to be consistent with whichever method you choose in order for it to be most effective in the long term.
Are there any risks associated with the cry it out method?
It is important to note that the cry it out method should only be used as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. There are risks associated with this method, and it is important to be aware of them before you begin.
The first risk is that your baby may not actually learn to self-soothe using the cry it out method. This means that they will continue to need your help in order to fall asleep, and may even become more dependent on you as they grow older.
Another risk is that your baby could become overtired from crying for long periods of time. This can lead to further sleep problems down the road, as well as health problems such as fatigue and dehydration.
Lastly, there is always the possibility that your baby could become so upset from crying that they vomit or choke on their own saliva. This is a rare but serious complication that could occur if you are not careful when using the cry it out method.