Many new parents ask the question, should I let my baby cry it out. This is one of the most hotly debated questions in parenting with opinions varying dramatically. Some people feel that it is perfectly alright to allow an infant to cry themselves to sleep. Others feel that this policy is not only too distressing for both parents and child, but it may well have long term negative implications for the infant.
In the past few years a significant trend has began to change those attitudes. Many parents now feel much more confident about making their own decisions. They are not so worried about what their friends or family might say. They also feel that by comforting a distressed infant they will not have a spoiled child on their hands for the rest of their lives.
Once medical factors have been ruled out the parents should pay close attention to the times of the crying. Often keeping a journal is the best way to see if there are patterns forming. A simple notebook is fine. The parents must log down everything that happens. From the moment the child wakes up to the food they eat and even when they nap. Many times parents are amazed to see that the distress follows a clear pattern that they had not been aware of before.
Many times crying is connected to sleep. Some babies have a very difficult time falling asleep at night. Parents may resort to holding them, rocking them or even going for car rides. As difficult as this may be these thins usually just make the problem worst and the infant quickly becomes dependent on them and cannot fall asleep without these artificial interventions.
Other families feel strongly that the new arrival should be in their own crib and in their own room from day one. This method also has many advantages. The child can get a good nights sleep without interruptions. Their crib is the safest environment. It should not contain any additional blankets, pillows or stuffed toys as these can all be suffocation hazards.
Before their baby is born parents may want to spend time considering how they want to address the issue of crying. Unfortunately many people just never give the matter any consideration until they are faced with it and have no alternative strategies available to them. Having a clear plan in mind that works for both parents will save a lot of time and heart ache.
Swaddling mimics the confines of the womb. Placing a carefully swaddled infant on their back in a crib with no blankets or toys is the safest way for them to sleep. If the child begins to fuss the parents should leave them for a few minuets to see if they settle down. Often some gentle background music will help. Classical music and lullabies are usually recommended.
There is no one right or wrong answer to the question of should I let my baby cry it out. The best course of action is one that works for the family. The parents should not let the thoughts or comments of others pressure them into doing something they are not comfortable with.
In the past few years a significant trend has began to change those attitudes. Many parents now feel much more confident about making their own decisions. They are not so worried about what their friends or family might say. They also feel that by comforting a distressed infant they will not have a spoiled child on their hands for the rest of their lives.
Once medical factors have been ruled out the parents should pay close attention to the times of the crying. Often keeping a journal is the best way to see if there are patterns forming. A simple notebook is fine. The parents must log down everything that happens. From the moment the child wakes up to the food they eat and even when they nap. Many times parents are amazed to see that the distress follows a clear pattern that they had not been aware of before.
Many times crying is connected to sleep. Some babies have a very difficult time falling asleep at night. Parents may resort to holding them, rocking them or even going for car rides. As difficult as this may be these thins usually just make the problem worst and the infant quickly becomes dependent on them and cannot fall asleep without these artificial interventions.
Other families feel strongly that the new arrival should be in their own crib and in their own room from day one. This method also has many advantages. The child can get a good nights sleep without interruptions. Their crib is the safest environment. It should not contain any additional blankets, pillows or stuffed toys as these can all be suffocation hazards.
Before their baby is born parents may want to spend time considering how they want to address the issue of crying. Unfortunately many people just never give the matter any consideration until they are faced with it and have no alternative strategies available to them. Having a clear plan in mind that works for both parents will save a lot of time and heart ache.
Swaddling mimics the confines of the womb. Placing a carefully swaddled infant on their back in a crib with no blankets or toys is the safest way for them to sleep. If the child begins to fuss the parents should leave them for a few minuets to see if they settle down. Often some gentle background music will help. Classical music and lullabies are usually recommended.
There is no one right or wrong answer to the question of should I let my baby cry it out. The best course of action is one that works for the family. The parents should not let the thoughts or comments of others pressure them into doing something they are not comfortable with.
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