The Pros and Cons of Cry It Out Sleep Training
The cry-it-out sleep training method can be an effective way to help your baby learn the necessary skills for nighttime sleeping. It can also be a difficult and controversial process that can cause stress and anxiety for both the child and the parent. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the cry-it-out method.
As with any parenting or child-rearing technique, the cry-it-out method has both good and bad points. On the one hand, it can be an effective way to teach your child sleep skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, it can be controversial and stressful for both the child and the parent.
There are ways to make the cry-it-out method easier and less stressful for both parties, including being consistent in using the method, responding to the child’s cries, and being reassuring throughout the process. It is important to note that the cry-it-out method should never be done if the parent feels overwhelmed or unable to handle it.
The Pros of Cry It Out Sleep Training
One of the main advantages of the cry-it-out method is that it is a viable way to help your baby learn how to sleep through the night. After a few weeks of practice, your baby will become more accustomed to their sleep schedule and will begin sleeping for longer stretches without needing parental intervention.
The cry-it-out method can also be helpful for parents who may not have the time or energy to consistently attend to their child’s nighttime needs. For parents who feel they are struggling with the nightly schedule, cry-it-out can be a valuable resource.
The Cons of Cry It Out Sleep Training
One potential disadvantage of the cry-it-out method is that it can be stressful for both the child and the parent. Children can become overwhelmed and frustrated when they hear their parents leaving during their cries, which can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
The cry-it-out method also has the potential to damage the parent-child bond if not done correctly. If the child does not feel cared for and understood, they may feel resentment towards their parents, leading to a breakdown in the parent-child relationship.
Furthermore, the cry-it-out method should never be used if the parent does not feel up to the challenge or is feeling overwhelmed. Parental and child stress can be counterproductive to the sleep training process, so it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that both parties are comfortable with the process.
Things to Consider When Utilizing the Cry It Out Method
- Be consistent in utilizing the method
- Respond to the child’s cries in an appropriate manner
- Never use the method if the parent does not feel comfortable
- Do not criticize or punish the child if they are unable to sleep initially
- Be reassuring and compassionate while utilizing the method
Conclusion
The cry-it-out sleep training method can be an effective way to help your baby learn the necessary sleep skills while being a viable option for parents who are struggling with their child’s sleep schedule. As with any parenting technique, however, it can be a controversial and potentially stressful process for both the parent and the child. It is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the method and to make sure the parent is comfortable before beginning the process.