Letting 5 month old baby Cry It Out?

Question

My daughter Emma is 5 months old. She ONLY uses the pacifier at naps and bedtime. It seems like I need to stop the pacifier completely, since it is the only reason she either stays awake or wakes up...because it fell out! But now my husband and I are noticing that she will cry even with it in. It seems like she is just having a hard time putting herself back to sleep.
She goes down great for naps, usually for 2-3 hrs. And goes right to sleep at bedtime too (6:00). She wakes up though every few hours. I know she is not hungry, since she is on rice cereal and jar food, plus nuring. It is just that she needs help going back to sleep. My gut tells me she needs to learn to fall asleep on her own, but I have been reading so much about this causing a trust issue with the baby, and maybe other damage? I know I cried it out as a baby, and it happens all the time. I just need some advice..I feel like it is the right thing, but I am still not sure 100%.
Thanks so much!

Do you think it may be her going to bed too early? It seems to be her own internal clock, I do not force the 6:00 bedtime at all...and I am reading all of these message boards about how horrible it is to let babies cry it out, and that you need the trust and bonding at this age. I just feel like she cries no matter what I do. In the middle of the night, my husband and I switch off every 5-10 mins to put her pacifier back in and soothe her, and she still cries. That is why I am at my witts end. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

well I think you're putting him down too early.

Answer 2

Don't feel bad about letting your baby CIO. I am a single mother of 7 month twins. The only way I was going to get any sleep was to let them cry. The first night of letting them cry was so horrible. But the very next night they slept through the whole night. I'm glad I did it, because they are more rested and happy. They go to sleep and take naps like a pro.
I think with the pacifier, if its keeping her up during the night you should let her go to bed with out it. My son did that at night and woke up every half an our because it fell out. I only give him a pacifier if he wants it during the day. Actually right now he doesn't want the pacifier anymore.
Don't listen to the people who say CIO is horrible. ITS NOT!

Answer 3

Id love to help you, Im now trying to teach my 4 mo. old to go to bed by himself.
He's been using a paci too. But I realized that when he is REALLY Tired, he doesnt need it.
He does wake up once or twice during the night, and I have to get up to put his paci, a couple of strokes, and a kiss. I think this is better than taking them out of the crib to rock them.
I also think bed time is too soon... maybe in her head she is just taking a nap!
Try also shorter naps.
I had to do taht, he was taking 2 - 3 hour naps, now he is doing 1 - 2.
One long nap in the morning, and two short ones in the afternoon.
He goes to bed around 9 or 10.
I dont think you need to let her cry out! no need for that. Show her you are there for her. not necesarily to hold her everytime she needs to, but just to be there.
And trust your guts, thats what works the best.

Answer 4

It sounds as though she is teething. She is at that age.

Rub your finger along the top and bottom of her gums. If you feel small bumps then those are teeth about to come in. If she bites down and you yelp then you will have your answer. (HA!)

Try a teething ring. Just chill it and do not freeze.

Sometimes they might run a mild temperature and you can use Children's ibuprofen (Tylenol) to help relieve some of the discomfort. Check with your doctor for the right amount if you do.

Lose the pacifier. It''s not good for her (eventual) teeth.

Answer 5

Well you have to do what you believe in however I do not believe in letting a baby cry it out
We have a 7 month old who will still on occasion wake up in the middle of the night,sometimes its a feeding but mostly a cuddle puts her right back to sleep.A cuddle that increases the bond and trust between mother and child.

Answer 6

Everytime one of my children cried I was in there to comfort them-even just for a minute so they know that I wasn't far away. I think it gave them a sence of security, and they got over the crying pretty fast. They are not spoiled because you comfort them- people always told me that I was spoiling them by comforting them when they cried but they now know that I am ALWAYS close by and they feel safe. I think that is important. Good Luck.

Answer 7

i agree with 2 princesses that you can still comfort them when they wake up. each sleep cycle is for 40 minutes, so they wake up many times during the night and naps, so most babies can put themselves back to sleep. unless your baby is waking every 40 minutes crying, she can put herself back to sleep. my 11 month old has had many changes to her sleep patterns etc. when they have a growth spurt, when she started rolling over, crawling, teething etc... i have had a problem with letting her cry it out, i have a great video that uses a balance called Controlled Settling.... it works to put her to sleep and when she wakes up at night etc. i put her on her side with her dummy (pacifier) and she will usually go to sleep and eventually roll on her back (this method is recommended for babies six months and over, but you could try it just putting her on her back). i leave the room and if she cries, i wait for one minute then go back in and repeat, then leave and wait for 2 minutes then 3 etc. it took longer at first but now, it is rare to have to go back in more than twice.... it has worked well and going back in seems to reassure her that she is not being left and she goes off to sleep easily.... hope that helps... good luck.

Answer 8

Never underestmate your "mom" gut. My grandaughter always goes to sleep with the same tape. I think there are no wrong ways, its up to how much you can stand. My nephew had a binky in both hands and one in his mouth and he is now a well adjusted 26 year old.

Answer 9

I say dat u shouldnt let babies cry it out cuz i dont let mines cry it out and she is only 4 months i sit around and spoil her all da time when she cries

Answer 10

there is nothing wrong with her having a pacifier to sooth her to sleep,It is better than her thumb .you usually don't try to take a pacifier away till over a year old.My Son had one and we din't take his away till he was over a year old.I have 3 kids.

Answer 11

I wouldn't let her cry it out it causes their blood pressure to go up and deprives oxygen from their brain. I know it's a pain because my 5mo old son only fights going to sleep at night. I feel you because I want him to put himself to sleep but I wouldn't sit there and let him cry it just gets worse anyway!!