7 of 19

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Hearing your baby cry can bring tears to your eyes or a migraine that last all night long, but in reality all you can do is wait the crying off. I have a two month old baby, and he cries now every night from feeding to feeding, thats at least four hours of the night I lie awake praying for him to fall asleep. As being a parent can be hard, its harder to stay in bed listening to his cries. It is fine to let babies cry themselves to sleep, but I believe it's only acceptable if you met these requirements.

First, If his cries sound annoying and If you know he already ate or wont be for at least an hour, then go to him and try talking calmly and hold him for a few minutes, at least until he quites down. When you talk to him, he is reassured thats he's safe where he is, and may fall asleep in your arms. The only problem is, if he's like some babies they will only remain asleep when your holding them, then thats definitely when you can allow them to cry to sleep. After the crying has gone, replace him in his bed, and say you love him and will see him later.

If after you return to bed and he cries for more than five minutes then try this step. Pick up your baby while talking quietly and check to see if there's a dirty or over wet diaper sagging down. You can change the diaper just for his own comfort, and apply some diaper rash ointment. A rash ointment isn't just for when there's a rash, it also cools their butt, and may make them feel more relaxed. Continue holding the baby after you've changes the wet or not wet diaper, and pat his butt. Patting your babies butt will help him pass any gas that may be stuck or building up. Try that for five minutes and return him to bed, saying bye and love you with your kisses. When returning to bed, try to sleep while he's relaxing, it may only be a temporary fix. Wait ten minutes and if the screams continue to, then there is only one last step you can do to redeem your lack of sleep and migraine.

This step is, to return to your child for the last time, check to see if the gas patting helped,if so change that diaper. If there is no dirty diaper then return the baby to bed and leave a light on near his room, when you leave a light on near bye it may make him feel safe. He may be afraid of the dark or being alone, so leaving a light on makes him feel like your just in the next room. I am sorry for any of you mothers that have a colic baby or one that like mine cries every other night non stop, or until he's to tired to cry. Of course if the crying remains after you granted the needs he should have needed then its time to turn down that baby monitor a little and try to sleep. Yes, the crying will remain annoying and sad until the next feeding or until he falls asleep. Please remember that some babies have many growing spurts and even half an hour after they eat, they may go potty and feel hungry again. I only recommend feeding your baby again, that is right after a feeding, only if he gives you the signs of his hunger. One sign of course is very easy , that is if he eats his fist, or sucks his pacifier for a moment then spits it out crying, these are typical signs of wanting more food. Starving your child is bad, but letting them fall asleep to their own crying is a way of life, they soon will learn when its bedtime and awake time.

Learn more about this author, Brooke Huntley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should parents allow their babies to cry themselves to sleep??
We want to hear your view. Write now!