Letting newborn babies cry it out
There is a theory that advises you not to respond to a newborn baby’s cries during the night because it will teach him to comfort himself back to sleep and therefore, he won’t bother you as much. I have to say, this is the worst advice I have ever come across. A newborn baby in the early stage of growth is very vulnerable and it is the parents’ duty to satisfy every need of their offspring. Letting him ‘cry it out’ could be very psychologically and physically damaging to the child in the early stages of development. Later on, there does come a point in development when baby will need to learn to comfort himself on his own (click here for more info), however, as far as the right and safest way to look after your newborn is concerned: give him everything he needs, and yes that obviously means some sleepless nights in the beginning.
Tags: Crying it Out
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
As the proud father of 2 girls, let me tell you that you’re exactly right. For newborns, the cry it out theory is not the way to go. Not only does it not help the child in the short or long term, but it’s nerve-wracking for the parents to sit idly by while their child is screaming. And there’s a difference between mild pouting/crying and screaming, but that’s a whole other post.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thank you for your comment. I agree- letting baby cry it out involves parents deliberately putting themselves through absolute hell and with no valid reason for doing so!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:45 pm
So for newborn babies this a no no: I totally agree but at what age do you think it is definitely okay to start? I think I read on your site that 6 months + is okay: my son is 7 months now and after reading Lainy’s posts I think I’m going to start next week.