Did you let your baby cry it out?

Question

I know there are a lot of people who say this is cruel, but it seems okay to me after a certain age. If you've done it, did you feel your child "trusted" you less? Did you think it "hurt" him/her psychologically?

Answer 1

Oh, bother, no. Sometimes babies need to cry a little bit to unwind. If they keep crying after several minutes, it's a good idea to check on them and see if there's a problem you can solve. But what if it's just temper? Are you going to teach your child that they're really the ones in charge?

I'm a Mom of 2 and I believe in crying it out them periodic checking in/reassurances. My babies have total faith in me. Remember that a) your relationship is long-term, b) independence is not only a good thing but it's your job to teach them, and c) babies are very forgiving. They will NOT be traumatized for life because you let them cry for 5 minutes.

Answer 2

It depends on the age of the baby. As a newborn they are crying cause thats the only way they can communicate, and they need something. If the child is older you can let them cry it out for short periods at a time.........

Answer 3

You're right about the age part. I have a five month old baby, so when he cries, it means that he wants something. Now, if you're talking about a toddler who already knows that sometimes crying can get what they want...yeah, I would let them cry it out. It shows them that it doesn't work and they shouldn't bother trying. It really depends on the situation you're letting them cry it out. Like, if they scraped their knee and they are crying, I would soothe them. So I say the answer varies according to the situtaion.

Answer 4

I let both my children cry it out and my youngest will be 1 in a week.
I just stayed on a routine. Do the same thing over and over again cause they will expect it. Like giving him/her a soother and turning on the mobile.
I would let her cry for 5 min then go in and give her soother and crank the mobile again , then wait 10 minutes and do it agai, then wait 15 minutes and do it again, then wait 20 minutes and do it all over again with the soother and crank the mobile.
My daughter lasted about 25min. And my son tested me good. he lasted about 40 min. BUT the next night it was shorter and shorter until they just knew the drill and went to sleep.
They just need to know that your still there and you havent abandoned them. But they also need to know that you are the parent and you meen business!!
Good luck!

Answer 5

My kids never did that.. I think if a child crys there is a reason, even if the reason is that they don't want to be alone.
I dont think you should let a child cry. They are being disruptive and need to be taught not to do that. If all else fails then yes let him cry. It may be a battle of wills, don't let him win or you will be hearing that crying every time he wants something that you say no to.
Put them to bed at the same time in the same place in the same way every night and it will become routine.. I have an 8 mo old puppy that is better than some peoples kids. at 9pm i tell her to go out and she goes out to potty then i tell her to go to bed and she does.. she plays around until i turn the light off then she is out... I also don't believe in night lights in bed rooms. they are OK in bathrooms but not in bed rooms. Children like adults need dark and quiet to sleep... no bottles in bed at any age, and after about 6 months old no pacifiers.
If they child is 1 yr or more than he should be able to communicate even if they cant talk and need to learn that screaming is not comunication.

Answer 6

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. We've been letting our 12 week old "cry it out" since she was 1 week old, she never cries for more than 5 minutes anymore and she sleeps fabulously (we're up to 7 hours at night now)

Answer 7

I did. i don't think he trusts me any less. it didn't hurt him in any way. it really didn't take long for him to figure out how to soothe himself back to sleep. i always payed attention to his cries (there's no ignoring them anyway), and would go to him if he sounded sick or in distress. but it was the best for him at his age. it's not cruel.

Answer 8

Read the book, Healthy sleeping habits, Healthy child. Followed the doctors techniques and they worked. Did I let my child cry? Yes. Did it work? Yes. does my child still love me and trust me, yes!

Answer 9

my son is 15 months and we have let him cry it out. sometimes i know that he is tired and we will put him to bed. he will drink his bottle and start crying for us to get him up again. i'll let him cry for about 10 minutes. no harm in it and he always goes to sleep.

Answer 10

yes i do cuz i never let my baby cry it out she is 4 months