Understanding the Crying It Out Method

For some people, the Cry It Out method, means ignoring your babies needs and subjecting a child to unnecessary stress. However such beliefs are due to misinformation and lack of understanding. As all parents know, babies cry because that is their only form of communication. They cannot tell you if they are hungry, wet, hurting, or overstimulated. It is up to each mom and dad to address any sign of a child's distress. However once bedtime arises, each parent must determine if they have attended to all basic and emotional needs. If the answer to that question is yes then decide if the child simply wants to be held. This is where many people disagree. With an appropriate cry it out process, cries are not ignored. The parent checks on the child to make sure there is not a problem, but the child is NOT picked up. You may rub the baby's head or stomach. You can let the child hold your hand. You can even just stand there and look at the baby. However the key is not picking up the child when their needs have already been met. Eventually the baby will cry himself to sleep. After 3 nights, the crying usually subsides and the child learns to go to sleep on their on at the appropriate time. Whether you agree or disagree with this method, it is a personal choice that each parent must make to keep their peace of mind.