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For the sake of argument, lets assume that we're talking about slightly older babies. The reason I want to clarify is because I think we (parents, especially) agree that younger babies usually have some kind of problem when they cry. So, let's say we're talking about a baby who is older than, say 4 months old.

I believe that once a child reaches about 4 months of age, they know how to get what they want. This isn't to say that they are conniving in any way. Babies are just children who want what they want. The problem is, that it's so easy for them to get into a routine and

when they are so little, it can be very hard to break or change routines. Routines can often be like habits and we all know how hard breaking a habit can be.

A baby who has been sleeping with mommy and daddy is not going to be thrilled about having to suddenly sleep in his crib. He will be angry and irritable, because this is not what he wants. In his eyes, sleeping in his crib is lonely and not nearly as warm as being snuggled against mommy all night long. The baby doesn't care that daddy wakes up every night with a sore back from trying to hover at the edge of the bed all night. The baby only cares that he is not there.

Your little girl doesn't understand the effect that she has on mommy when she falls asleep only with being rocked and crooned to. While this is a ritual that mommy most likely enjoys, she probably could use a little down time, too. The extra two or so hours that could be added to mommy's evening could make all the difference in her schedule. There could be extra time to read a book or fold clothes; whatever there is that needs to be done.

This being said, it makes sense that a baby should have to cry herself to sleep. Sometimes, it takes only one night to make the point. This, of course should be qualified and it should be said that it should be determined that there really is nothing wrong with the baby. However, once this is established, then there is no reason why a baby can't have a good cry.

In my experience (I have two very stubborn daughters) the cry time is essential in proving to the child that they can't always have their way. It's not to be mean, it's just to establish early on that you, the parent, cannot be manipulated. It may take a couple of hours and, after that, a couple of nights, but the baby will quickly become comfortable in their sleeping environment and stop crying.

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