whats your opinion on this?

Question

this is an article about crying it out...
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/1998/04.09/ChildrenNeedTou.html

Answer 1

I think it brings up a valid argumrnt.

And Momof 2 of course babies survived before studies. but before studies, people also knew to listen to their babies attempts at communication.

Babies cry because they have needs. If our ancestors had taken the easy way and let their babies scream, the human race would have died out long ago. Why? because an unattended wailing infant was a dinner bell for predators.
Babies are born with all the primal instincts of ancient humans. Letting a baby scream does nothing but teachthem to give up on trying to have their needs met.

And yes, the need for protection and companionship is a real NEED!

Answer 2

I'm American and personally I don't like the "let them cry" method. Especially during the first 6 months of there life's. After all I am building that trust that mommy is always there. Babies cry for a reason and it's your job to find out what that is and fix it. If all he wants is a little cuddle time before bed, then give it to him. Soon enough he will not want to be in your arms and snuggle all the time. I'm enjoying it while I can. But hey whatever works for your family right!

Answer 3

Very interesting... thank you for sharing!

I haven't had my child yet, so I don't really have an opinion besides adding it to the list of things to keep in mind. But I plan on raising my child with instincts as much as possible. Learning her and her ways... ect.

We seem to be moving farther and farther away from our instincts. Why shouldn't we look to other cultures who are more in tuned with doing what they feel minus the medical or scientific pressures of what is right and what isn't. Truth is, it's simply impractical for a woman in the US to take care of a child every time it cries unless they are a stay at home mother, or have a very good child. ( And that's not saying that it can't all be done. I've met some very strong and amazing women in my life time that can handle EVERYTHING. But not all of us can. ) Financial responsibilities are pressing in this country. Providing comes first where nurturing usually takes a back seat.

Answer 4

I don't think that parents should let their babies cry for more than 10 minutes because research has shown that this raises the blood pressure in a baby and it can caue some health issues. Having said that, I don't feel that everyone needs to be bringing their baby to bed with them all the time. If you want to, then go ahead. But there is nothing wrong with a baby gaining a sense of independence. My daughter has slept in her crib from the first day she was brought home. She's now 2, and although there have been times when I let her sleep in our bed, like when she's sick, she enjoys sleeping in her crib.

Answer 5

Depending on the age of the child. A child under the age of about 6 months do not have the ability to self sooth...so I would wait to try the cry it out method until the child is about that age. when a child is younger than that age they will only get madder the longer they cry. Plus depending on the age of the parents as the child "cries it out" the parents tend to get more frustrated as well....so my thought is to parent your child your way...if you feel that doing something that someone else is doing is wrong then don't do it....but if you are about to pull all your hair out because the baby is driving you crazy...letting the baby cry for a little while....15 to 20 minutes...so you can calm down is fine.

Answer 6

There are numerous studies that show the harmful effects of crying it out, and the benefits of cosleeping and attachment parenthood.

It's hardly new, and it's hardly surprising. If any other mammal let their baby cry it out alone their baby would be eaten by predators. It is also universally accepted that a baby that receives NO human contact will die.

Answer 7

I think that going to your infant when he cries is common sense. This article is specifically talking about infants, not toddlers, so I won't address that issue. Sharing the bed works for some, not for others, but it is a baby's human right to have a responsive parent.

Answer 8

Although I do agree with comforting a baby when they cry, It shouldn't be a thing where it happens every single time the baby makes the slightest crying noise...I don't belive in sharing a bed...mainly because they'll get older and still want to sleep in your bed.They will end up crying for everything, and throwing fits when they don't get what they want. They'll always expect to be held.
But that's me....and Britian's Super Nanny........ I say do whatever you feel is right for you and your family.

Answer 9

I recently read about that harvard study, and have to say I did the cry it out with my baby. I don't leave her in there for hours though, and I do go to her when she is hurt or in distress. I think if the only reason they are crying is because they are tired and need to sleep then it's fine to let them cry.

Answer 10

I think it is bull. I am sure that my mom let me cry, and I am sure that she cuddled me often when I did too. I am just fine! I also don't know too many people who put their baby in a separate room from them when they get home from the hospital! I can say though that I knew a couple who was arrested because they let their baby sleep with them and the baby ended up getting smothered to death. I don't care how many people say that they would never roll over on their child, it happens! Love your child as you see fit, let them cry as you see fit, and I am sure your child will grow up healthy dependant and happy.