I realize there are a lot of opinions out there. I let my baby cry because she almost always goes back to sleep. I don't do it because I don't want to be a mother or take care of my children. I do it because I believe she is going to have to learn to soothe herself because I may not always be there. If she gets used to me picking her up at each little whimper, she's going to depend on me to be able to fall asleep - which I believe is putting her at a detriment. so bring on your opinions because I'd like to hear a rational thought on this subject other than you think a parent who doesn't pick up their child at the first whimper is some how bad.
2007-03-15 01:35:36 · 14 answers · asked by socmum16 ♪ 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Just so we're clear on this: I don't let my baby cry for longer than 15-30 minutes. As long as she isn't screaming bloody murder, and I know that she is clean, dry and has been fed. I let her work it out.
2007-03-15 01:55:57 · update #1
Also, I have two other, healthy, well-adjusted children, so my five-month-old isn't my first.
2007-03-15 01:57:19 · update #2
I believe that it is ok to let a baby cry to a certain point! As long as the child is not in any danger, but i also believe that you should cuddle and sooth your child as much as you can and let your child know that everything is ok and that you are there for them. Stay true to yourself and give your baby all the love you can.
2007-03-15 01:45:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is fine to let a baby cry some. Don't run to her at the first whimper. If she breaks into a cry then go to her quickly, and see what she needs. Comfort her, check her diaper, make sure she is comfortable-all the normal things. If she is fine, then put her back to bed. If she cries again then it is fine to let her cry. I would not let her cry for very long though because she needs to know you are there for her. If it is obvious that she is crying only to be rocked back to sleep over and over again then try letting her cry a little longer before each time you go to her.
2007-03-15 08:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by WhiteDove 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you. Once you determine that the baby is not crying because of pain, danger, or other adverse situation, let her cry. I don't believe any responsible child care expert would tell you to always pick a baby up at the first whimper.
2007-03-15 08:46:42 · answer #3 · answered by SA Writer 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You are NOT a horrible person. So long as there is nothing else wrong with your child, there is nothing inappropriate with letting your child cry for brief periods on occasion. Children cry plenty anyhow, so there are perhaps billions of people out there with brain damage if that fella above is right.
If your child is crying just to get his/her way, I've found that letting him/her cry once or twice breaks them of that habit. Once children know you mean business, it's amazing how fast they pick up on it. My daughter pitched a fit a couple of times. I changed her diaper; tried to feed her; walked her around; tried to sing to her (probably a bad idea since I don't sing well); tried to act silly to get her to laugh -- nothing worked! I took her temperature and still she cried. I finally laid her in her crib and in a few minutes she was sleeping soundly.
She grew up to be a very good student.
2007-03-15 19:06:29 · answer #4 · answered by ScaliaAlito 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I let mine cry too. Like you said you cant be there 24/7 The people who say they "don't let there baby's cry" are full of crap. Its imposable to be right there all the time. Have the bottle ready at that very second. Its good for them. It teaches them Independence, and self soothing. (Never exceed more than 30 minutes, there really may be something wrong)
2007-03-15 08:59:18 · answer #5 · answered by BOOTS! 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with letting your child cry. Everything you wrote is correct. For those who say you shouldn't let them cry, they are the ones on here asking the questions of how they can get their two year old to sleep in his own bed. Parents give in way too easily. I didn't let my oldest cry enough, and we paid the price with a hellish year of trying to get her to bed.
On another note, if my kids fall and don't hurt themselves(no blood), I don't pick them up and console them. We usually say, "She's safe" and act like an umpire. If you pick them up every time, you have whinny kids who cry over everything.
2007-03-15 10:52:19 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa R 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with you. My wife and I have 3 children and all are growing to be healthy children. As long as the child is safe there is nothing to worry about. If they are sick or in pain from teething or something else of course you can pick them up, but if they're just tired or want to be held, it will only cause problems if you pick them up. I often wonder if the people that give us "expert" advice on children actually have any.
2007-03-15 08:53:10 · answer #7 · answered by Rico 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I let mine cry too. They need to learn to self soothe. But some people think we should let them cry for hours and hours and I wont do that. If they cry for 10 or 15 minutes then settle down thats good.
2007-03-15 08:44:15 · answer #8 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with letting a baby cry,as long as you know he or she isn't hungry or hurting.Yes if you pick your baby up all the time when she cries, she will become spoiled(dependent on you)so don't let anyone say you are a bad mother for you are not.you sound like a good mom.Good luck with your baby!
2007-03-15 08:45:41 · answer #9 · answered by Lin 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Not a thing wrong with it at all. I have done it with my 3 and I'm aunt to 12 so they've cried it out too. I have also been babysitting for some 25 yrs and never hesitated to let a little one cry it out. They do have to learn to comfort themselves and soothe themselves.
2007-03-15 09:31:01 · answer #10 · answered by Melanie A 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋