The age-old debate of whether to let babies cry it out continues, but recent research reveals some surprising insights. A study conducted by Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist at Temple University, supports the idea that many infants benefit from the opportunity to self-soothe and return to sleep without immediate parental intervention.
Published in the journal Developmental Psychology, Dr. Carter, who specializes in child behavior and parent-child dynamics, notes that by the time babies reach six months, most are capable of sleeping through the night, waking their parents only about once a week. However, she emphasizes that not all infants develop this ability at the same pace.
Understanding the Study
So, how did the study determine that babies fare better when allowed to self-soothe? Researchers monitored the sleep patterns of infants aged six to 36 months. They identified two distinct groups: consistent sleepers and transitional sleepers. “All babies, like adults, cycle through sleep stages approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours, during which they may wake briefly,” explained Dr. Carter. “Some of these babies cry out upon waking, which is classified as ‘not sleeping through the night.’”
Parents of over 1,200 infants reported their child’s nighttime awakenings at 6, 15, 24, and 36 months. The findings revealed that by six months, 66% of infants, categorized as consistent sleepers, either slept through the night or woke up just once a week, maintaining this pattern as they grew older. Conversely, 33% woke up regularly, seven nights a week at six months, decreasing to two nights by 15 months and eventually to one night per week by 24 months.
Key Takeaways
What do these results mean? Dr. Carter suggests two key points: some sleep issues may stem from genetic factors, and it’s crucial for infants to learn how to fall asleep independently. “If parents consistently respond to nighttime awakenings or if babies are used to falling asleep while breastfeeding, they may miss out on developing self-soothing skills, which are essential for regular sleep patterns,” she noted.
While these findings may reassure some parents, it’s important to remember that every child is unique. Dr. Carter clarifies that this research doesn’t apply universally to all families. Letting a baby cry doesn’t indicate poor parenting; she advises establishing a consistent bedtime, allowing infants to fall asleep on their own, and resisting the urge to respond immediately to nighttime cries.
Your Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on the crying it out method? Is it beneficial or harmful?
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In summary, recent research indicates that allowing babies to cry it out may aid in their sleep development, suggesting that learning to self-soothe is beneficial. While this approach might not suit every family, it offers reassurance that many infants thrive when given the chance to fall asleep independently.
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