Recent research has emerged indicating that the “cry it out” sleep strategy, also known as “graduated extinction” or “The Ferber Method,” poses no long-term harm to infants and can lead to improved sleep patterns. In a study involving 43 babies aged six to 16 months, it was found that those who underwent sleep training using this method did not exhibit emotional or behavioral issues, nor did they experience difficulties in parental bonding. Interestingly, these infants woke up less frequently during the night compared to their peers who did not receive any sleep training.
The study also explored an alternative approach called “bedtime fading,” which involves gradually shifting a child’s bedtime later to help them fall asleep more easily. Both methods proved effective, but the “cry it out” technique arguably allowed parents to enjoy their favorite shows uninterrupted, which is a win in any busy household.
One of the main objectives of this research, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, was to investigate previous claims that babies trained with sleep extinction methods showed elevated stress hormones. The new findings showed no significant increase in stress levels during or even a year after the treatment.
Dr. Susan Hartley, lead author of the study and a sleep expert at Riverdale University, emphasized that the results suggest both methods are effective and do not lead to negative outcomes for the children involved.
As someone who has navigated the world of parenting without employing sleep training, I can attest to the lack of a full night’s sleep or even a quiet evening alone for five long years. We all know how important sleep is for our well-being. So, why aren’t more parents embracing sleep training? Often, it’s the heart-wrenching sound of a crying child that makes it so difficult.
Ultimately, there is no single study that will dictate how you choose to parent. If the idea of letting your child cry it out causes you immense stress, then it might not be the right choice for you. And that’s perfectly okay! You may lose some sleep, but sometimes a little discomfort is worth it. If sleep training fits your family dynamic, it could lead to better rest for both you and your child, allowing you to catch up on those missed episodes of your favorite shows.
The endless debate surrounding parenting strategies often leads to overwhelming feelings of guilt and confusion. Trust me, I know the exhaustion all too well. But I also know that by not sleep training, I’ve had to cope with kids who stay up far later than I’d like, resulting in even less sleep.
For more insights into parenting and insemination techniques, check out our post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re looking into fertility options, make sure to explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination methods. And if you’re considering at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom for quality products.
In summary, sleep training methods like “cry it out” and “bedtime fading” have been shown to be safe and effective, providing parents with options to help their infants sleep better without causing harm. The key takeaway is to choose what works best for you and your family, without succumbing to the pressure of peer opinions or conflicting studies.
Leave a Reply