Is it okay to let your 2-month-old baby cry it out? As parents, we often find ourselves questioning the best approach to soothing our little ones. In this article, we will explore the topic of letting your baby cry it out and delve into the different viewpoints on this parenting method. Let’s take a closer look at the concerns, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision that suits your baby’s needs.
Understanding Crying in Infants
Babies have a natural instinct to cry as it is their primary way of communicating with their caregivers. Crying is a normal behavior in infants, and it serves various purposes. By understanding the normal crying patterns and reasons behind their tears, parents can better respond to their babies’ needs.
Normal crying patterns in babies
It is important to recognize that infant crying varies from one baby to another. On average, babies cry for around two to three hours per day during the first few months of life. However, it is normal for some babies to cry more frequently, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours. This behavioral pattern, commonly known as colic, often subsides by the age of three to four months.
Reasons why babies cry at this age
Babies cry for different reasons, and it can sometimes be challenging to determine the exact cause of their tears, especially in young infants. Some common reasons for crying in two-month-old babies include hunger, discomfort (such as a wet diaper or gas), fatigue, overstimulation, and the need for physical closeness or attention. Understanding these potential triggers can help parents respond appropriately and provide the necessary comfort to their infants.
The Cry it Out Method
The cry it out method, also known as extinction sleep training, involves allowing babies to cry for a specific period without immediate parental intervention. While it has gained popularity as a sleep training technique, it is essential to fully understand its principles and potential controversies before considering implementing it with your infant.
What is the cry it out method?
The cry it out method involves putting your baby to bed while they are still awake and allowing them to cry themselves to sleep without providing immediate comfort or assistance. The idea behind this technique is to teach babies to self-soothe and learn to fall asleep independently.
How does it work?
When using the cry it out method, parents typically establish a bedtime routine and put their baby down in a safe sleep environment. They then allow their baby to cry for a predetermined period of time, gradually increasing the duration each night until the baby learns to fall asleep without crying. Proponents of this method believe that it teaches infants to soothe themselves and establish healthy sleep habits.
Controversies surrounding the cry it out method
The cry it out method is a topic of debate among experts and parents alike. Critics argue that it may lead to increased stress levels in infants, disrupting the natural attachment and emotional development process. Some concerns also revolve around potential negative effects on the infant’s trust and security. When considering this method, it is important to weigh the potential risks against the desired benefits and consider alternative approaches.
Developmental Considerations
Understanding the key developmental milestones and the importance of responsiveness in infancy can help parents make informed decisions about sleep training methods, including the cry it out method.
Key developmental milestones at 2 months
At around two months, babies begin to develop more social smiles, make cooing sounds, and interact more with their environment. They also start to gain better head control and may show more interest in objects and faces around them. These milestones highlight the rapid growth and learning that occurs during this period of an infant’s life.
Importance of responsiveness in infancy
Babies need a responsive and nurturing environment to foster their emotional and cognitive development. When babies cry, it is their way of communicating their needs to their caregivers. Responding promptly to their cries helps build a sense of security and trust, fostering healthy attachment between the baby and their caregiver.
Effects of excessive crying on infant development
Consistently responding to a baby’s cries helps meet their emotional and physical needs. However, excessive crying that goes unanswered can lead to elevated stress levels in infants. Prolonged periods of distress without comforting can potentially impact an infant’s development, including their emotional well-being and ability to regulate emotions.
Potential Benefits of Letting a Baby Cry it Out
While the cry it out method has its controversies, some potential benefits are worth considering. These benefits revolve around the development of self-soothing skills, long-term sleep habits, and parents’ well-being.
Self-soothing and independent sleep
Proponents of the cry it out method argue that it helps babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. By allowing babies to cry for controlled periods, they may develop the skills to calm themselves down and settle into sleep without relying on external comfort or assistance.
Long-term sleep habits
Establishing healthy sleep habits early on can benefit both babies and parents. Sleep training methods, including the cry it out method, aim to create consistent sleep routines for infants. When babies learn to fall asleep independently, they often develop better sleeping patterns, leading to longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep, which can positively impact their overall well-being.
Parental well-being
Sleep deprivation can significantly impact parental well-being and overall mental health. By teaching babies to sleep through the night using sleep training methods like cry it out, parents can potentially improve their own sleep patterns and, consequently, their overall quality of life. This can lead to reduced stress levels and enhanced parental well-being.
Risks and Concerns
Before deciding to use the cry it out method or any other sleep training technique, it is necessary to consider the potential risks and concerns associated with them. Understanding the potential impact on stress levels, attachment, and emotional development is crucial in making an informed decision.
Stress and cortisol levels in infants
Critics of the cry it out method argue that prolonged and unaddressed crying can lead to elevated stress levels in infants. During periods of distress, infants may experience increased cortisol levels, which can have long-term consequences on their stress response system and overall well-being.
Attachment and emotional development
Creating a secure attachment between the baby and their caregiver is essential for healthy emotional development. The cry it out method’s critics express concerns that leaving babies to cry without offering immediate comfort may disrupt the natural process of attachment formation, potentially impacting the infant’s emotional well-being and trust in their caregivers.
Negative impact on trust and security
The cry it out method relies on delayed parental response to a baby’s cries. Some experts argue that consistently ignoring a baby’s cries might send a message that their needs are not important or that they cannot rely on their caregiver for comfort. This potential impact on trust and feelings of security is one of the concerns raised against the cry it out method.
Alternative Approaches to Soothing a Crying Baby
If the cry it out method does not align with your parenting philosophy or if you are considering alternative approaches, there are various techniques that can be used to soothe a crying baby and establish healthy sleep patterns.
Comforting techniques
Numerous comforting techniques can help calm a crying baby. These techniques include gentle rocking or swaying, lullabies or white noise, baby massage, using a pacifier, or offering a comforting object such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal. Experimenting with these different methods can help parents find what works best for their individual baby.
Establishing a routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be beneficial for both the baby and the parents. A bedtime routine typically includes activities such as a warm bath, a quiet and dimly lit environment, reading a bedtime story, or gentle play. Following the same routine each night can signal to the baby that it is time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Seeking support and guidance
Parenting can be challenging, and seeking support and guidance is essential. Talking to healthcare professionals, joining parenting groups, or reaching out to experienced family members or friends can provide valuable advice and reassurance. Remember, every baby is unique, and finding the right approach to soothing and sleep training may take time and experimentation.
Expert Opinions on Letting Babies Cry it Out
When considering the cry it out method, it is important to consider various expert opinions to allow for an informed decision that suits your individual circumstances and parenting style.
Pediatrician perspectives
Many pediatricians have varying opinions about the cry it out method. Some may support the technique, emphasizing its potential benefits in teaching self-soothing skills. However, others may be more cautious and recommend alternative approaches that prioritize a responsive and nurturing environment for infants.
Psychologist viewpoints
Psychologists often consider the potential impact on attachment and emotional development when discussing sleep training methods. While some psychologists may express concerns about the cry it out method’s potential effects on emotional well-being, others may advocate for a balanced approach that takes into account the unique needs of both the baby and the parents.
Research findings
Research on the cry it out method and other sleep training techniques continues to evolve. Some studies suggest that the cry it out method can be effective in helping babies establish independent sleep habits. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications and potential risks associated with this approach.
Factors to Consider Before Trying Cry it Out
Before implementing the cry it out method, consider several factors that could influence its suitability for your baby and your family’s circumstances.
Individual baby temperament
Every baby has a unique temperament, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Some babies may adapt well to sleep training methods like the cry it out method, while others may become more distressed or struggle to self-soothe. Understanding your baby’s temperament and individual needs can guide your decision-making process.
Parental readiness
Parents have different comfort levels when it comes to sleep training methods. It is important to assess your readiness and emotions when considering the cry it out method. If you feel uncomfortable or hesitant about using this approach, it may be worth exploring alternative methods that align better with your parenting philosophy.
Health considerations
Certain health conditions or circumstances may affect a baby’s ability to self-soothe, making the cry it out method less suitable. If your baby has any underlying health concerns or you have questions about their well-being, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before implementing any sleep training techniques.
Safe Sleep Practices
Regardless of the sleep training method chosen, it is essential to prioritize safe sleep practices to ensure the well-being and safety of your baby.
Creating a safe sleep environment
A safe sleep environment plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of sleep-related accidents or injuries. This includes placing the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress and fitted sheet, avoiding loose bedding or soft objects in the crib, and keeping the sleeping area free from hazards such as cords or excessive blankets.
Reducing the risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a concern for all parents. While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, there are several measures parents can take to reduce the risk. These include avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, maintaining a moderate room temperature, and ensuring the baby’s sleep environment is free from any potential suffocation hazards.
Recommended sleep guidelines
Following age-appropriate sleep guidelines can contribute to a healthy sleep routine for babies. These guidelines often include recommended sleep durations and the number of naps in a day. Consulting reputable sources such as pediatricians or sleep specialists can provide accurate information on recommended sleep guidelines for different age groups.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to let a 2-month-old baby cry it out is a personal and individualized decision. It is important to remember that every baby and family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trusting your parental intuition and seeking professional advice if needed can help you navigate the journey of parenting and make the best decisions for your baby’s well-being.