The cry it out (CIO) method, also known as the extinction method, is a sleep training technique where parents allow their baby to cry for a period of time before intervening. The core principle is that babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently by working through their distress without parental immediate intervention. This differs from methods that involve frequent parental comforting.
How the Cry It Out Method Works
- Parents put their baby to bed drowsy but awake.
- The baby is allowed to cry for a set period, gradually increasing the time between checks.
- Parents check on the baby periodically, offering minimal comfort (such as a pat on the back or quiet reassurance) before leaving again.
- The goal is for the baby to eventually learn to fall asleep without parental intervention.
Different versions of the CIO method exist, varying in how long parents wait before checking on their baby and the level of comfort offered.
Variations and Considerations
While the "extinction method" is a strict version of CIO, other variations exist, offering more frequent parental checks or gentler approaches. Some examples include:
- Modified Cry It Out: Parents check on the baby more frequently and offer more comfort than in the extinction method.
- Ferber Method: Parents check on the baby at progressively longer intervals, offering reassurance without picking them up. This method is often considered a less intense alternative to CIO.
It's crucial to understand that the CIO method can be emotionally challenging for both parents and babies. It's essential to choose a method that aligns with your family's values and comfort levels. Consulting a pediatrician or child sleep specialist before starting any sleep training method is advisable.
Sources mention that letting a baby cry for a bit can help them learn to fall asleep independently, but the approach should align with parental comfort and the baby's developmental stage. Note that not all approaches involve completely ignoring the baby's cries; some provide brief periods of reassurance.
