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The Cry It Out Method: An Age-Old Solution to Sleep Troubles
Getting your baby to sleep for 10 to 19 hours is essential for their growth, but it’s hard to get there. Toddlers wake often, usually with roaring cries for a meal or cuddle. These interrupted sleep patterns lead to restless nights for the whole family.
The cry it out method can offer a solution. It teaches your baby to sleep on their own, helping their development and giving you more rest. Here’s more on this technique that’s been helping kids sleep since the 1800s.
Understanding the Cry It Out Method
The phrase “cry it out” was coined by Dr. Emmett Holt in 1892. It was his solution for babies’ sleep troubles.
When it’s time to sleep, babies are put in their beds to react naturally. Some will sleep; others will cry for care or comfort.
Most of these cries aren’t responded to, but parents may react if they feel it’s necessary. The goal is to teach babies to soothe themselves.
When to Start
Doctors recommend waiting to start sleep training until your baby is older than 12 weeks and weighs at least 12 pounds. Newborns can’t tell night from day, which complicates bedtime discipline.
Around 16 weeks, sleep training may be even easier. If your baby is fussy or struggles to fall asleep at night, they may be ready for self-soothing routines.
How to Cry It Out
On day 1, establish a bedtime routine. Place your baby awake in the crib and leave. If your baby cries, wait 3 minutes before checking in.
For any more crying, lengthen the wait by a few minutes each time. Try not to exceed 10 minutes.
On day 2, follow the same routine with an initial wait time of 5 minutes. Increase subsequent wait times by 5 minutes, up to 12 minutes.
From days 3 to 7, extend the first wait time. You can cap future check-ins at around 15–20 minutes.
During the second week, continue as you did at the end of week 1, with a maximum 15-20 minute wait before checks.
By the third week, crying should reduce. Keep up the routine if frequent crying persists. Limit check-in waits to 20 minutes.
Preparing for Sleep Training
Begin with a family discussion if you’re considering the cry it out method. This strategy can be draining and stressful, as it necessitates letting your baby cry for certain periods. Prepare everyone at home for this challenge.
Babies’ cries provoke empathy, making it tough to let them howl without responding. If everyone doesn’t agree to stand by, the sleep training process might be interrupted.
Creating a sleep-friendly environment is the next step. Use blackout shades and a white noise machine to communicate that it’s bedtime and drown out household sounds. Also, keep the room at a comfortable temperature; the baby shouldn’t be shivering or sweating.
Baby Sleepy Cues
Knowing your baby’s sleep habits can make bedtime easier. Watch for signs like eye-rubbing or fussiness in the evening to spot tiredness.
Other hints they’re sleepy may include yawning, less movement, and not wanting to play. These cues mean it’s time to start their bedtime routine.
The Impact of the Cry It Out Method
Dr. Holt’s cry it out method teaches babies to sleep independently. It’s suitable for little ones over 12 weeks old. Even though it may seem tough, this method won’t harm your bond with your baby.
If you crave peaceful nights for you and your baby, consider trying the cry it out method tonight. It may be just what your family needs for restful nights.