by Erinn Soule

Created on: January 26, 2008

Should babies be allowed to cry themselves? I think the answer is yes. Babies are learning how to live and grow, crying is a part of this process. If every time you pick up your crying baby, they learn instinctively that will be how they get your attention. They need to learn how to do things on their own if they are going to grow up to be solid adults.

Babies need to cry to strengthen their lungs, just as you have seen a baby make loud grunts or yell briefly, this is strengthening their vocal chords, diaphragm and lungs. If the baby is not hurt, sick or sitting in a wet diaper, there is no reason to run to their aid. This does not mean to ignore their cries, take a peek and I bet you would be surprised at what you see, some babies even at an early age know what they are doing. I once watched my son who was wailing in his crib for at least 5 minutes until I just didn't have the heart to let him continue, so I went in to get him and as soon as I peeked my head in the door, he stopped crying and went into a whimper, as I walked closer, he stopped whimpering all together, so I backed up just briefly and like lightning came a piercing shriek, then a pause to see if I was once again coming towards him, it probably would have made a hysterical video!

If a baby is crying because they want to sit up rather than lay down, they will learn how to make themselves comfortable if left to do so. Older babies will learn that a room is not so scary if they have enough time to realize it, if you run in and "rescue" them every time they holler, they will grow up expecting you to fix all for them. Nothing worse than a child or young adult who expects everything to be handled for them. Another great benefit of letting them cry is that they get very sleepy, thus allowing a little more mommy time!

Babies have many reasons they cry. They are sick, hurt, tired, wet, want your attention and also just to try out their new set of pipes! But one thing is fact, a healthy baby will not die from crying, you might die from a broken heart but even that is unlikely. I am sure if you ask your Pediatrician they will tell you the very same thing. You will have plenty of opportunities to hold, love and hug them, so let them know you do by giving them a chance to grow.

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