As a pediatrician, I often have to remind new parents that sleepless nights come with the territory of raising an infant. The demands of a newborn can lead to an overwhelming sense of fatigue, especially during those long, restless nights. Recently, a New York-based pediatric practice has stirred controversy by advocating for a method known as “extinction” sleep training for infants as young as two months. This technique involves allowing babies to cry themselves to sleep without any parental intervention, a suggestion that many find troubling.
The doctors at Tribeca Pediatrics have long stood by this method, which contradicts more gradual approaches like those introduced by Dr. Richard Ferber, which involve checked-ins and reassurance. Ferber’s method is typically recommended for babies aged three to five months, as it allows for some level of comfort. However, the notion of leaving a two-month-old to cry without comfort strikes many experts as extreme.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests gentler methods, such as “controlled crying” or “camping out” near the baby’s room, rather than letting them cry until they fall asleep. Tribeca Pediatrics’ stance on leaving a two-month-old to cry is quite unique and raises significant concerns regarding the emotional well-being of infants at such a vulnerable age.
Research published in Early Human Development examined babies aged four to ten months, revealing that infants left to cry without parental comfort exhibited increased stress levels. Even if they eventually fell asleep, they did so under a significant amount of stress, indicated by elevated cortisol levels. This suggests that they may have simply given up rather than learned to self-soothe effectively.
It’s crucial to consider that the first three months of a baby’s life are often referred to as “the fourth trimester.” During this time, infants are still adjusting to life outside the womb and require comfort and reassurance, not to learn to “toughen up,” as some suggest. Dr. Emily Johnson, a pediatrician at another practice, emphasizes that this period is critical for emotional bonding and development.
Furthermore, most two-month-olds still need nighttime feedings. Many aren’t close to the “magic weight” of 11 pounds, which is typically associated with sleeping through the night without a feeding. Thus, parents might find themselves in a position where their child is not only crying for comfort but also out of hunger.
Ultimately, every parent must decide what works best for their child when it comes to sleep. As a pediatrician, I understand the desperation that comes from sleepless nights. It’s essential to trust your intuition, even when faced with recommendations from medical professionals. While self-soothing is a valuable skill for children, there’s a significant difference between allowing a baby to fuss momentarily and entirely ignoring their cries.
At two months old, if your baby is crying, it’s likely for a valid reason that requires attention. No doctor should make you feel that soothing your child at this age is wrong.
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In summary, while sleep training can be a helpful tool for parents, the approach recommended by some practices for very young infants raises ethical concerns and may not support the emotional needs of these babies. Understanding the balance between sleep training and nurturing is crucial in these early months.