When is the proper time to let your baby cry it out?

Question

I've read often on here... and it makes sense to me, that when a newborn cries he or she should be comforted.

I'm curious as to what people think is the proper age to be left alone to comfort themselves. And if not an age... then what are some of the signs that they are ready to sleep through the night, even if they don't want to. I know all babies are different. When is the "let the baby cry it out" technique appropriate?

Just looking for persoanl opinions here. Thanks.

Answer 1

It has to differ by baby's temperment.

Sometimes they'll cry even when you're in the middle of making them comfortbale / happy, for example, mid-diaper change.

The longest we let our 2 month old daughter cry is 15 minutes AFTER we've ruled out hot/cold complaints, hungry, wet/dirty, ... the "usual suspects".

If she's still not self-calming (for example, grabbing blanket, sucking hand), then we pick her up, whisper/sing and coddle her.

You just can't practically hold or help them every minute of the day!

BTW, she's sleeping from 9pm to 5am, so we're doing SOMETHING right :)

Answer 2

Personally, we have never let our 6 month old cry it out and we never will. I feel I am here to meet my daughter's needs not vice versa. I am not going to let her cry it out to force her to do something before she is ready just because it might be more convenient for me. That's just how I feel. When she was ready, she started sleeping through which was at 2 months old. We have been blessed not to have any major sleep issues.

Ultimately, it's up to you. It's what your comfort level is. Some moms, like me, are not comfortable letting their child cry at all. Some let them cry for a few minutes before comforting them, some longer. Do what you feel is best for you and your child. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

i think in the first 6-9 months you shouldn't let the baby cry because they are probably teething at that age. And really in the end follow your instinct, because if you feel the baby is crying for you to hold him so he can play. just put in a crib with toys and let him cry for a while, but make sure you don't leave him alone, and if he keeps crying really hard, then i really have no advice to you, because probably something is wrong.

Answer 4

You should do what you feel is right for your baby. I rocked my baby to sleep for 2 years, and bedtime went smoothly. I let him cry for a few mins. if I was busy or just needed a break, but not for longer than 5 mins. or so. This was my personal choice. The only time I really let him cry it out was if he was having a temper tantrum.
If it doesn't feel right to you, or it is to hard to hear him cry, then by all means, comfort your little one. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Answer 5

They are not ready to cry it out until they are 3-4 months old. I recommend a book called - Healthy Sleep habits, happy child. It talks all about babies sleep, etc.

Answer 6

My opinion is, that when my babies cried I always went to them and pick them up , they either cried because they were wet or angry . I find that it is nerve wrecking to hear a baby crying for a long period of time , so I rather pick them up until they quiet down. All babies are different! this is how they acquire their personality .

Answer 7

We did this with our first child to get him to go to sleep the by himself at night (without us rocking him). We did that at 4 months. I think the standard is 4-6 months depending on the child. You have to give it a shot and see if it works. With our first it took him 20-25 minutes the first night but by the 3rd night he was going to sleep immediately. It is really hard to hear your baby cry but it is in both of your interests to go this route. Your baby will learn some independence and you will get a break too!

Answer 8

It depends on the child, their development, their emotional stability, etc. etc. You have to decide that for yourself, but I personally wouldn't start that until they're less helpless and more independent.

Answer 9

hmm...NEVER