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What is the cry-it-out method? -

The cry-it-out (CIO) method is a sleep training technique that helps babies learn to fall asleep independently. It's also known as the extinction method or unmodified extinction.

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How does it work? -

Most parents respond immediately to their baby's cries. However, with the CIO method, you don't respond right away to give them the opportunity to self-soothe and fall asleep without your intervention.

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Why it’s not cruel -

This method isn't intended to be harsh or neglectful. It's actually designed to help babies develop these self-soothing skills that will positively impact their sleep health in the long run.

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Avoiding dependence on parental response -

If you jump in at every cry then it can create a pattern of dependence and your child will struggle to sleep without you.

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Understanding your baby’s cries -

Once you close the door to your baby's room for the night, it doesn't mean ignoring them entirely. It's important to understand what different kinds of cries your baby has and whether they are fussing or have a real need.

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Am I neglecting my child? -

No, the CIO method isn't intended to neglect the child. You still need to remain attentive and ensure your child is sufficiently fed and cared for.

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Preparing to start sleep training -

It is important, before starting sleep training, to inform all caregivers of the approach so everyone is on the same page.

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Discussing the process and timeframes -

Before trying the CIO method, be sure to discuss the bedtime routine including what time it will start and how long you'll wait before checking on the baby.

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Recognizing sleep cues -

You should pay close attention to your baby's sleepiness cues like yawning, rubbing their eyes, or pulling at their ears. These can signal it's time to put the child to sleep.

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Preventing overtiredness -

If you put your baby to bed too late, it can actually make it harder for them to settle thereby leading to more crying and overall difficulty falling asleep.

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Creating a consistent nighttime routine -

Creating a consistent pre-sleep routine for your baby can be essential. This can include things like changing their diaper, feeding them, bath time, or reading a short book out loud.

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Why consistency matters -

Following the same steps helps your child know when bedtime is approaching and it becomes a regular and expected part of their evenings.

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Meeting basic needs before bedtime -

Ensure your baby's basic needs are met before you put them down to sleep.

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Saying goodnight and leaving the room -

This can be a challenging step for parents, however, do your best to place your baby in their crib, say goodnight, and quietly leave the room when it's bedtime.

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How long do babies cry for? -

The time span a baby might cry for can vary from a few minutes to an extended period. Every baby responds differently.

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Trusting your instincts -

Trust your intuition and if something seems truly wrong, check in on them.

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Is the cry-it-out method bad? -

Some parents and even experts believe the CIO method is too strict. However, no research has been found to show it's actually harmful to babies when done correctly.

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Benefits of the cry-it-out method -

One advantage is that results usually happen quite quickly, helping babies fall asleep independently.

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Improved sleep for parents -

When a baby sleeps better, parents sleep better, leading to improved overall well-being for the whole family.

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Emotional challenges for parents -

One of the hardest parts of the CIO method is hearing your child cry and not doing something about it. It's for a good reason but that doesn't mean you won't experience some heartache.

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Setting time limits -

Experts suggest setting a maximum cry time. If your baby cries beyond that limit, you check in with them and reset as necessary.

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When to stop or modify the method -

If the CIO method is too difficult or isn't working, you can look for gentler alternatives such as graduated extinction.

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What is the Ferber method? -

A modified CIO approach, the Ferber method gradually increases the wait time before responding to a crying baby.

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How graduated extinction works -

Over many nights, you will extend the time between check-ins slowly but surely. This allows babies to progressively learn self-soothing techniques.

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Encouraging self-soothing -

Teaching your child to self-soothe can help them develop healthy sleep habits and reduce disruptions in the night over the long run.

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What if your baby won’t sleep? -

Some babies will continue to struggle with the CIO method and it will interfere with their daily functioning (and yours). Consider consulting a pediatrician.

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When to seek professional help -

If sleep training does not improve your baby’s sleep or leads to excessive distress, a professional can offer tailored solutions.

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Final thoughts on the cry-it-out method -

The CIO method may not be for every family, but it can be an effective tool for many. It's important to follow a method that aligns with both your parenting style and your baby's needs.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Pampers)

See also: Parenting newborns: Essential tips for new moms and dads

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