“Let your baby cry it out,” scolds one observer.
Another caring friend wonders, “How can you let your baby cry to sleep?”
Everybody has an opinion and all the information is so overwhelming.
What to do?
There
is some data that suggests letting an infant cry until he/she goes to sleep is
possibly damaging to the brain; however this information came from studying
infants that were in abusive or neglectful situations. If your baby is getting
plenty of love, (how could you not love that face), plenty of breast milk or
formula, and a peaceful, secure environment then although your baby may be
stressed, it has not been proven to be detrimental to their health. The loving
support of a caregiver during the emotionally stressful times can teach the
child how to trust, knowing that their caregiver loves them and will take care
of their needs.
Letting a child cry itself to sleep is a moderate stressor;
therefore many suggest that you don’t begin attempting it until a baby is over
six months of age.
Infants over six months of age can learn to overcome
stressors when they consistently find their basic needs are met and are
supported by a loving caregiver. Be sure they are not hungry and have a clean
diaper; before they are laid down to sleep.
Letting a baby know
that you are preparing him/her for a nap or bedtime is important whether you
are letting them cry it out, or using the no cry method. To encourage sleeping
through the night be sure to wait until your baby is at least six months before
giving it a go. It has been found that babies with a routine are more likely to
go to sleep easier, cry out in their sleep less and get better sleep.
- Bedtime routine: Bath, story, rocking, then prepare the room.
- Turn on music
- Turn on a soft night light
- Lay the baby down: there are variations to this- use your judgment.
- Say good night and leave.
- Pat baby on the back a couple minutes, hum a song etc.
- Read a short book.
(Whatever your book, song, etc. be sure it doesn’t continue until baby is asleep.
He/she needs to realize they are going to sleep without your help. Be sure the routine stays the same.)
- The Ferber Method is a way
many parents choose to ‘let the child cry it out’. Putting baby down, saying
goodnight, leaving and waiting a prescribed amount of time before returning. 2
minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc. Every night increase the time you wait
before returning by a minute or so. After three or four nights of this you will
find that your baby is sleeping easier and after a week, surprise, surprise,
you are as well!
- The No-Cry
Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to
Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night, by author and parent educator
Elizabeth Pantley
What seems to be
consistent in both above methods is having a consistent bedtime routine.
So plan a routine
that fits with your child and family and give it a go, and hopefully get some
sleep.
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