At what age can I let my daughter "cry it out"?

Answer 1

It depends on the age. If you are taking about a baby they cry because they need something.

If you are talking about a toddler they an throw fits and you have to let them and walk away sometimes.

If it is a grade schooler her heart may be broken and it needs mending or she is throwing a fit. Heal a broken heart with a hug and turn your back on a fit.

If it is a teenager she to may have a broken heart and it may need fixing but sometimes you cant do it. It is her friends that do it.

If she is a adult she will turn to you with a broken heart. I know I did with my mom.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I have 3 children - a 10 year old and 7 year old twins - they are happy, secure and content. My pediatrician gave me wonderful advice - she said once a child sleeps through the night they can do it and you should no longer go in and get them at night. The reasoning is that everyone wakes up in the night - a child has to learn to comfort himself and put himself back to sleep. I'd say once they are eating baby food - maybe around 6 months - you can let them cry it out. It's not an easy thing but it's worth it. Just make sure you stick to your decision - if you let them cry it out and then go in after an hour you'll make it worse - you'll reinforce the crying. If you decide to truly let them cry it out be prepared, it's not easy, it'll take a few days to work too, but it's worth it!!

Answer 4

I think its important to make a distinction between abnormal and normal crying.

Abnormal crying times include: during feedings, immediately after feedings, and times when a baby wakes early out of a sound nap. Crying during these times requires attention, and child should not be allowed to "cry it out"

Normal crying times include: just before a feeding, when a baby is put down for a nap, and during the late afternoon/early evening period. The type of crying you are asking about is when going down for a nap. The duration of this type of crying is set by the child, but monitored by the parent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that: "Many babies cannot fall asleep without crying and will go to sleep more quickly if left to cry for a while. The crying shouldn't last long if the child is truly tired."

It is not unusual for a sleeping baby to occassionally begin whimpering or crying softly in the middle of a nap. Again, the words of the American Academy of Pediatrics are helpful in understanding what is going on. "Sometimes you may think your baby is waking up when she's actually going through a phase of very light slumber. She could be squirming, startling, fussing, or even crying--and still be asleep. Or she may be awake but on the verge of drifting off again if left alone. Don't make the mistake of trying to comfort her during these moments; you'll only awaken her further and delay her going back to sleep. Instead, if you let her fuss and even cry for a few minutes, she'll learn to get herself to sleep without relying on you." The Academy goes on to say that "some babies actually need to let off energy by crying in order to settle into sleep or rouse themselves out of it. As much as fifteen to twenty minutes of fussing won't do you child any harm. Just be sure she's not crying out of hunger or pain, or because her diaper is wet."

Identifying and knowing your baby's cry patterns and disposition (personal style) will hepl you learn to discern real needs.

This is for babies as young as a couple of weeks old.

Answer 5

There's a good book, healthy sleep habits, happy child that discusses various methods for getting your child into a healthy sleep pattern. One method discussed is the cry it out...he's not suggesting you do it...if it doesn't feel right for you....but it's one of many methods discussed.

I believe it says in that book that by 8 months the child is old enough to realize that you are not abandoning them. It's a really good book, I suggest you pick it up from your local library....lots of good info.

Answer 6

i think at any age. if they are crying for no reason, let them cry it out. My niece cries for noreason and she is 16 months old. we jsut ignore her and she stops.

Answer 7

when there like 3

Answer 8

Never. Your child needs to know you are there for her.

You must learn to communicate with her...telling her that crying isn't going to get what she wants, etc.

Crying it out is old Dr Spock logic. The new stuff out says, it's poor parenting.

Answer 9

never, your children need to know that you love them and that they can be comforted by you when they need it

Answer 10

two, start doing it early, the more you don't the longer it won't stop!