A groundbreaking study has revealed that the “graduated extinction” sleep training technique, commonly referred to as “cry it out,” poses no long-term psychological harm to infants. This method, also known as “The Ferber Method,” allows babies to self-soothe by crying themselves to sleep, and the findings suggest it can lead to better sleep patterns.
In a study examining 43 infants aged six to 16 months, researchers found that those who underwent sleep training using the cry it out approach experienced no significant emotional, behavioral, or attachment issues compared to their peers. Importantly, these infants woke up less frequently at night than those who were not sleep-trained. The study also assessed an alternative method called “bedtime fading,” where a child’s bedtime is gradually pushed later. Both techniques proved effective, although the former allowed parents some much-needed uninterrupted TV time.
One aim of the research, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, was to investigate claims from earlier studies that sleep training could elevate stress hormones in infants. However, this new study found no increase in stress hormones during or after the treatment period, even one year later.
This research, led by Dr. Emma Sinclair, an associate professor at a prominent university’s Child and Adolescent Sleep Clinic, indicates that both sleep training methods can be beneficial without leading to adverse outcomes.
As a physician, I often hear parents express their concerns about sleep training. It’s natural to feel conflicted; after all, listening to a baby cry can be heart-wrenching. However, if sleep training alleviates stress for the entire family, it may be worth considering. If it causes significant anxiety, it might be better to explore other options. The key is to find what works best for you and your child.
There will likely be future studies that contradict these findings, as is typical in parenting research. The bottom line is that parents should feel empowered to make choices that suit their families. While it’s important to be aware of different perspectives, over-analyzing every parenting decision can be draining.
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In summary, the cry it out method has been shown to be safe for infants, potentially improving their sleep and reducing nighttime awakenings. It’s crucial for parents to make informed decisions based on what is best for their families.